05/16/2025 OC Today-Dispatch

SETTING UP

County cuts into teacher raises

Another Worcester County Public Schools budget goes to the county commissioners and is returned minus a few million, as the commissioners reduce negotiated raise package by 50 percent. — PAGE 6

Council aims to ban beach tents

Borrowing from a Dewey Beach, Delaware rule, the City Council works toward opening up the view on the beach by prohibiting tents with side walls and making sure other sun shelters don’t obstruct lifeguards’ view. — PAGE 3

Boardwalk Rock this weekend

PHOTO COURTESY CAMPOS MEDIA

Three massive stages were erected throughout the week in Ocean City for this weekend’s first-ever Boardwalk Rock festival, which is the third in a series of C3 Presents concert weekends planned in Ocean City this year. Oceans Calling and Country Calling festivals will return in the fall. The main stage is pictured here on the northern end of the festival perimeter.

Council eyes beach tent ban, canopy restrictions

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 16, 2025) Using a Dewey Beach ordinance as a template, Ocean City officials this week agreed to ban tents on the beach and set strict rules for canopies.

During Tuesday’s work session, a council majority agreed to move forward with a ban on beach tents and place more stringent regulations on open-air canopies. Supporters say the change will improve public safety and the viewshed.

“I think this addresses at least 90% of the problem,” Councilman Jake Mitrecic said.

At the end of last week’s council meeting, Mayor Rick Meehan brought forward a request to place some restrictions on beach canopies ahead of the summer season.

To that end, staff this week presented the council with several examples of ordinances adopted by surrounding municipalities, including a Dewey Beach ordinance that outlaws tents but stops short of banning canopies.

For his part, City Manager Terry McGean said his recommendation was to follow the Dewey Beach ordinance and ban beach tents, which he defined as a structure with walls.

“The enclosed tents, they block the ocean view,” he told the council. “I think from a bigger concern, from staff and from the public safety side, is you have no idea what’s going on inside the tent when it’s an enclosed structure.”

While the Dewey Beach ordinance bans tents, it does allow baby tents measuring 36 inches. McGean said he had no objection to allowing such structures on the beach.

The town’s ordinance also sets some restrictions on canopies. As adopted, canopies cannot be set up and left unattended before 9 a.m. and must be placed behind lifeguard stands.

While he said he supported the tent ban, Mitrecic said he also wanted Ocean City to set limitations on beach canopies.

“It boils down to time, place and space,” he said.

Mitrecic said he believed canopies should not be set up before lifeguards are on duty, and that they be placed behind the lifeguard stands – a rule officials say is already in effect. He also added that the city should limit the amount of space a canopy can occupy on the beach.

For his part, Meehan said he supported Mitrecic’s ideas but encouraged the council to address tents ahead of the summer season. He argued it was the biggest issue on the beach.

“I really don’t think that Ocean City beaches are for camping,” he said. “That’s not what it’s for.”

While agreeing with everything

Mitrecic and Meehan said, Councilman Larry Yates said he also wanted the city to address the space between canopies, as canopies placed close together posed a public safety issue.

He said he also wanted any ordinance the city passed to be enforceable.

“We can’t ask the lifeguards to do it,” he said. “Their job is to watch the water.”

After a back-and-forth discussion, the council voted 6-1, with Council Secretary Tony DeLuca opposed, to ban beach tents – or any structure with one or more sides – with the exception of baby tents. The council also agreed to prohibit unattended canopies before 10 a.m. and to require the anchoring for such canopies to be contained within the canopy’s footprint.

“It’s a little too much,” DeLuca said. “It’s not enforceable.”

It should be noted that DeLuca did make his own motion, which prohibited any sides on tents, canopies and umbrellas.

“My motion is all about walls …,” he said. “I think that’s our biggest issue out there, the sides, the visibility.”

However, DeLuca’s motion failed for lack of a second.

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Worcester educators were blindsided by vote, they say

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(May 16, 2025) Worcester County’s Board of Commissioners this week rejected a budget stipulation from the Board of Education that would have incrementally increased all teacher pay to comply with a state salary mandate.

In a 4-2 vote, the commissioners decided to slash by half proposed across-the-board teacher raises to reduce spending by $3.7 million. They also voted to strike restored cuts – a make-good from the school system’s prior year budget – totaling $1.94 million.

Maryland schools are required to increase starting teacher salaries to $60,000 by the start of the 2027 school year, part of the state’s landmark 2021 education reform package, called the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. So far, about 75% of school systems in Maryland are compliant, school officials said.

Starting teacher pay in Worcester County is $52,789, which school officials said is lowest in the state. To meet the $60,000 threshold, the school board had planned to split that cost over the next two budget cycles, giving teachers a $4,000 raise this year, and again next year.

Commissioner Jim Bunting, however, said he believed this amounted to too much money spent at once. His proposal was to constrict raises, so the starting salary would then be $54,789 – “and that doesn’t increase the teachers who are making more,” he said.

“After you do the $2,000 plus the steps, you’ve got very few people left making under $60,000. I’ve got every one of them,” said Bunting (District 6, Bishopville). “You will get there very quickly without doing $4,000

School system refused by county leadership

each year. You don’t need to do that. It’s just basic math and you will get there. It’s just, jumping in one year from $10 million, almost $11 million, it does not make sense to me.”

Bunting’s motion, seconded by Commissioner Caryn Abbott, was also supported by Commissioner Chip Bertino and Board President Ted Elder. Commissioner Joe Mitrecic was absent Tuesday.

The two commissioners who voted against the motion, Diana Purnell and Eric Fiori, spoke passionately about public schools and excoriated their peers who voted for a blanket pay cut.

“This is ridiculous,” said Fiori (District 3, Sinepuxent). “Our education system is our crown jewel – and I sat here and fought for the last cou-

ple years over showing how Board of Education is spending money. I fought as hard as the rest of you up here. They’ve done what we’ve asked them to do. It’s transparent.

“We have to meet the Blueprint mandate,” Fiori added.” If we keep cutting off our toes and keep going backwards, when we do have to meet these numbers – you think this increase is a lot? What about when we have to go $20 million, $30 million, because we’re so far behind?”

Purnell said teachers are “worth their weight in gold” for dealing with students who come from rough home lives touched by drug abuse, food insecurity, and abuse.

“We’re negotiating our children’s lives over money,” Purnell said. “The one thing we need to fight for more than anything else are our children.”

Support staff also had been budgeted to get a $2,000 pay raise. Because Bunting’s motion did not alter that, it means both teachers and support staff would now receive an equal pay bump – which drew the ire of Superintendent Lou Taylor, who called it a “slap in the face” to teachers and compared it to paying a hospital housekeeper the same as a surgeon.

Taylor told commissioners how his team had worked in extensive detail to craft their $115 million budget request, and that the school board had approved it unanimously. In past budgets, elected officials and the Board of Education butted heads, with commissioners saying school funding requests weren’t detailed enough.

“That process has been 85% of our work this year, this budget,” he said.

surplus this year.

“We thought we were on the right path. We thought we were doing what they were asking us to do. It’s certainly going to take the wind out of the sails of people,” she said. “Not once has any commissioner said to me, they’re not happy with the salary package. We don’t know where things went awry. We’re going to have to figure out where we go from here.”

Shockley-Lynch added that Worcester schools are losing the battle for both new recruits and veteran teachers to neighboring counties for a lack of comparative salaries.

‘We’re negotiating our children’s lives over money. The one thing we need to fight for more than anything else are our children.’

Commissioner Diana Purnell

School leaders also said they’d considered a 7% cost-of-living increase, plus a step increase, in salary negotiations with the teachers’ union. However, according to Taylor, some commissioners – he did not name names – instead urged them forgo a COLA and step increase in lieu of blanket pay raises.

“I did what exactly several of you had asked me to do… We’ve compensated them different than we’ve ever compensated before, at the request of some of you,” Taylor said.

He also expressed frustration at the commissioners’ decision to abandon a restoration of $1.9 million that had been cut from last year’s budget. This included money for instructional materials, some staff positions, afterschool activities, summer school, and funding for multilingual instruction.

Worcester’s Board of Education doesn’t set salaries. Rather, they’re negotiated by union leadership representing teachers and support staff, and then the school board approves the negotiations.

Now, teachers, support staff, and bus drivers will have to return to the drawing board to renegotiate their contracts, which contractually occurs when the budget is not fully funded, according to Beth Shockley-Lynch, president of the Worcester County Teacher’s Association.

She said she was “disappointed” and “blindsided” by the commissioners’ vote Tuesday, especially given the county’s projected massive budget

“Starting (pay) is the big thing. We’ve got more and more (teachers) retiring so the hiring piece is pretty critical. It’s putting us in a really tough situation,” she said. “I’ve been here a long time, and I never thought I’d see the day when Worcester County teachers were talking about leaving.”

Superintendent Taylor’s response continued late Tuesday with a video posted to YouTube, one aimed at school employees, telling them “I’m here to defend this budget to the very end.”

“There were comments today made about the performance of our students and also you as professionals,” he said in the video. “I assure you that I am not going to quit on this process and continue to work hard to make sure we get what we deserve.”

The video also included an infographic explaining who voted for and against this measure and included a call to action for teachers to contact the commissioners to “express your disappointment” with the vote.

When reached Wednesday for additional comment, Taylor continued to express anger and disappointment to the budget cuts, and he wondered if the commissioners made a decision that was more personal than business.

“Anybody in the political area that makes decisions based on personal feelings, you shouldn’t be there. You have to let go of your personal feelings and do what’s best for the decision you’re making,” he said. “Ultimately, it comes down to their seven votes. If they feel the way they voted yesterday, it’s going to be a very difficult time for our school system moving forward.”

Officials gearing up for first-ever Boardwalk Rock

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 16, 2025) Despite a slow start, officials say ticket sales are strong for this weekend’s Boardwalk Rock music festival.

On Saturday and Sunday, an estimated 55,000 people are expected to descend each day on downtown Ocean City for Boardwalk Rock, the third music festival produced by C3 Presents.

While the festival has been marred by band cancellations in recent weeks, and initial ticket sales were slow, Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo said that everything is now coming together ahead of this weekend.

“I hope everybody has got their Boardwalk Rock tickets because we are rocking out this weekend,” he said during this week’s tourism commission meeting.

Last winter, C3 Presents announced it would bring its third major music festival – Boardwalk Rock – to downtown Ocean City May 17-18. To accommodate the new event, officials announced it would move the yearly Springfest and Cruisin’ Ocean City to earlier dates in the special events calendar.

Within days of its announcement, the promoter released the lineup for the spring festival. Headliners included Def Leppard and Motley Crue on Saturday and Nickelback and Shinedown on Sunday. The acts also featured supporting sets from 23 other bands, including Halestorm, Three Doors Down and Alice Cooper, to name a few.

“Partnering once again with C3 Presents allows us

The grounds for Boardwalk Rock are shown being set up this week. A noticeable change is a different layout for the third smaller stage than in years past. At left is a look at the layout,

Promoter inks 5-year contract

Ocean City as the ultimate destination for live music and unforgettable memories,” Ocean City’s marketing director, Jessica Waters, said at the time. “We can't wait to welcome fans and music lovers to celebrate with us in this exciting new event this spring."

However, in April, the promoter announced Motley Crue had canceled its appearance, as lead vocalist Vince Neil was recovering from a medical procedure. Alice in Chains was announced as the backup performer.

But roughly a month later, it was announced that Alice in Chains had also canceled its performance over a medical issue. The following day, Rob Zombie was added to the lineup.

“I know we’ve had some hiccups with a couple of entertainers, but we’ve got replacement Rob Zombie,” Perlozzo said this week. “Zombie’s replacing Alice in Chains, who was replacing Motley Crue, but it should be a great event.”

Perlozzo also acknowledged that officials had concerns about initial ticket sales.

“I will tell you ticket sales have been good,” he said. “We thought they weren’t, but they are. It was confirmed last week that we expect, again, visitors from all 50 states and up to 55,000 visitors each day. So we’re excited to have them.”

This weekend’s festival will take place across three stages located at the southern end of the beach and Boardwalk. The festival grounds will also include Boardwalk businesses and Jolly Roger at the Pier.

In preparation for the event, city officials are telling community members to prepare for heavy traffic, new traffic patterns and street closures.

Transportation Manager Rob Shearman also noted this week that the city

will provide additional buses during peak hours each evening of the festival.

“I don’t want to count the chickens before they hatch, but as of right now we are projecting to field 32 to 35 town buses at peak each evening, which is an improvement of about seven per night over last year,” he said during a Tuesday transportation committee meeting. “We also know that the festival is providing more buses to augment than they did last year. So we are feeling tentatively confident in terms of staffing for this weekend’s event.”

Shearman also noted that bus stops would be reduced throughout the weekend. He said some inactive stops have been changed, and signage has been simplified.

“We’re trying to get a little better every time we do it,” he said of festival preparations.

Additional information on road closures, parking, transportation and more can be found on the festival website, boardwalkrockfest.com.

In addition to this year’s festivals – Boardwalk Rock, Oceans Calling and Country Calling – Perlozzo announced this week that community members can also expect reoccurring events in the next five years, as C3 Presents recently signed a new contract with the city.

“We have just signed a five-year contract with C3, for three events for the next five years,” he said. “That’s going to be really big for us as we move forward.”

When asked if the three events would be held on the same weekends each year, Perlozzo said they would, so long as they didn’t interfere with any holidays.

“Same dates, give or take, depending on the calendar shift,” he replied.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMPOS MEDIA

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMPOS MEDIA

An aerial photo shows the setup for the first Boardwalk Rock music festival. An estimated 55,000 people are expected to attend each day.

County reduces pay raises, keeps grants flat

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(May 16, 2025) Worcester County officials this week said they’ll reduce spending on staff wages and nonprofit grants in the fiscal year 2026 budget as they considered possible tax cuts.

Cost-of-living adjustments for fulltime Worcester County employees in the next fiscal year will be capped at a flat $2,000 instead of being a percentage of salary, officials decided this week.

That change went through as a result of Commissioner Jim Bunting (District 6, Bishopville) making the motion in Tuesday’s budget hearing. It passed in a 4-2 vote, with Commissioners Eric Fiori and Diana Purnell voting no, and Commissioner Joe Mitrecic absent.

Bunting made a similar vote earlier in the same hearing to reduce a proposed blanket teacher pay raise from $4,000 to $2,000.

The commissioners on Tuesday also voted to make another set of changes to staffing and wages. They unanimously approved a request from Human Resources Director Stacey Norton to convert some jobs from part-time to full-time and to approve additional hours for other positions. It adds $1,243,401 to general fund spending.

Tax rates discussed

Officials also discussed making changes to income taxes and homestead tax credits at Tuesday’s budget hearing.

County staffers told the commissioners they’ve reviewed possible outcomes of reducing the county’s 2.25%

income tax rate, which now generates $53 million in revenue.

If the county lowered the income tax rate to 2%, then revenue would drop to $47.1 million in fiscal 2026, a difference of about $5.9 million. Officials also considered the effect if income tax were decreased for a full fiscal year or a half-year.

To this, Bunting asked aloud: who would benefit most from an income tax decrease?

“Anybody who is paying income taxes now would get to keep more of their money,” replied Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young. “This will hit everybody who lives in Worcester.”

“It would help people that are having difficulties paying their bills and putting food on the table,” Bunting replied.

Commissioner Chip Bertino (District 5, Ocean Pines) asked whether retirees would benefit from an income tax decrease. Young replied that the county’s income tax is tiered, and it would depend on their takehome income.

The conversation then turned to the homestead tax credit. That’s a tool the state provides to homeowners which limits the degree a tax assessors can increase the taxable value of a resident’s primary property.

For Worcester County, the cap is set at 3%, meaning your home’s taxable value can’t exceed that in a given three-year cycle, even if tax rates increase beyond 3%.

Bertino wondered if the county could generate greater revenue by dropping that cap from 3% to 2%.

If implemented, the county could generate an additional $294,000, but that could not be changed until fiscal year 2027, according to Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Candace Savage. The county also would have to formally ask the state’s Department of Assessments and Taxation, she added.

Bertino then asked about possible changes to the county’s income tax rate. He wanted to know what the result would be if the 2.25% income tax were lowered to 2%. Savage said it would cost the county $4 million.

Nonprofit funding flat

In another cost-saving measure, the commissioners decided on flat funding for nonprofits, to save $336,572.

Requested funds for nonprofits in this budget had totaled $967,940, an increase of $331,313 over last year, or 52%. Now, that increase is wiped out, in lieu of flat funding, same as last year.

It means additional funding for some nonprofit applicants won’t go up as they had requested.

West Ocean City-based Diakonia had been budgeted to get $100,000, which would go toward a new supportive living facility for the homeless. Now, they’ll get the same as received in 2025 in the amount of $50,000.

Another agency losing funding with this cut is the Life Crisis Center, a Salisbury-based nonprofit that advocates for victims of domestic violence and child abuse. They had requested $72,000 but instead will receive the same $8,500 as last year.

Other agencies now missing out on grant increases include the Worcester County Child Advocacy Center ($35,000 instead of $50,000) and the Samaritan Shelter in Pocomoke City ($20,000 instead of $40,000).

Tuesday’s hearing was the second to last meeting where county officials will review budgeted line items. Any changes to tax rates would be finalized when the commissioners formally

Commissioner accuses Crisafulli of ‘crying wolf’

Sheriff asks county leaders to boost starting salaries, upgrade pay scales in FY26

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(May 16, 2026) Worcester County’s sheriff told elected officials he expects an “exodus” of deputies leaving his agency for better-paying jurisdictions if they don’t vote to increase salaries.

Sheriff Matt Crisafulli is asking county leaders to budget for higher starting salaries and upgraded salary scales for current sworn deputies in the fiscal year 2026 budget, to combat salary trends that may lure away his employees.

“If we don’t address this now, we will have an exodus from the sheriff’s office,” Crisafulli told county commissioners at a budget hearing Tuesday in Snow Hill. “We are the premiere law enforcement agency in this county, and I believe we should be compensated as such.”

First-year sheriff’s deputies are paid $55,000 now, but Crisafulli is asking the commissioners to increase the starting salary to $64,632.

It’s a hair shy of the average starting pay of $63,644 for police agencies on Delmarva, according to an internal study conducted by the sheriff’s office.

Crisafulli argued that losing veterans to lateral transfers means not just a loss of institutional knowledge in the job and community but represents a sunk cost to the county –sending them to the police academy, plus paying for salary, benefits, and training – of about $120,000 each.

“We’ve crafted them, we’ve molded them – then we need to start over,” the sheriff said.

Crisafulli’s budget also is requesting about $1.1 million more in payroll, which includes tiered pay grade increases for 96 deputies, corporals and sergeants, as well as raises for nine senior-level deputies.

The sheriff even warned that a handful of deputies were watching the budget hearing and “sitting on the edge of their seat” awaiting the commissioners’ decision, because they’re considering lateral transfers to betterpaid positions with the state’s Department of Natural Resources Police.

Commissioner Jim Bunting (District 6, Bishopville) told the sheriff his overall $20.7 million budget request was “too big a hit.” He also noted now the county had approved budget increases for the sheriff’s office in each of the last four years – $9.6 million in 2023, to $11.4 million in 2024, and $17.3 million last year.

“You’re crying wolf and I’m not seeing it,” Bunting said, noting that perhaps the sheriff’s pay grades could

be included in a proposed countywide salary study that came in through the county’s Human Resources department.

“We’re certainly not crying wolf,” the sheriff replied, “we’re being preemptive and proactive. I’m trying to avoid having to come before you saying, theoretically, we just lost three in the last two months and I’m struggling to get applications. We’re trying to take care of this before the wheels are off the vehicle.”

Commissioner Diana Purnell (District 2, Central) asked the sheriff about future requests. “Say you got what you asked for,” she said. “What about next year? Will you be back next year asking for more officers?”

Crisafulli said he hoped officials would greenlight his budget so they won’t have to.

“We don’t want to do that,” he said, “but we’re going to have to look at where the market is. We feel it’s going to open the applicant pool more than what we’re seeing and put us in a better spot for the long run.”

Police salaries across the Lower Shore have slowly been creeping up in recent months as police departments fight for a shrinking pool of recruits.

Chief Deputy Nate Passwaters told the commissioners that fewer young people are interested in police work, and that applications for sworn deputies at the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office are way down.

“When you get a lot of applicants, the best rise to the top, and that’s who we want,” Passwaters said. “We’re not even getting that based off the $55,000 starting we have now. Our applicant pool has dropped tremendously. They’re going to Selbyville at $67,000 walking in the door.”

Worcester County is near the bottom for pay among regional law enforcement agencies, according to Sgt. Mike Valerio, a Worcester County deputy and vice president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 50.

He said if Worcester County doesn’t raise wages, it’s possible that the agency might start to see deputies jump ship for other local agencies.

“The check engine light is on – you need to service the car now,” Valerio said. “It’s a shame to have to get to that level before government’s making a change. It’s more than just recruitment and retention. At the end of the day, some things are worth spending money on. Public safety’s one of them.”

A final vote on the sheriff’s budget won’t come until next week because, at the request of Commissioner Chip Bertino (District 5, Ocean Pines), the commissioners postponed their vote to the final budget hearing on May 20. The commissioners will vote to adopt the 2026 budget on June 3.

OC extends agreement with marketing team

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 16, 2025) Despite some questions about how the city is spending its advertising dollars, officials this week agreed to renew its contract with BVK, the agency hired to handle Ocean City’s marketing.

During Tuesday’s work session, the Ocean City Council agreed to renew its contract with BVK for another two years. Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo noted the renewed contract would remain consistent with previous years and would feature no increase in costs.

“We are going to recommend that we extend the contract by two years,” he told the council this week. “That's in the current contract. There is no increase in cost associated with contract renewal, and we believe it will allow us to continue building on our brand, engaging the target audiences better and continue the brand evolution.”

In January of 2022, following a months-long search process, the Town of Ocean City entered a threeyear contract with BVK to lead the city’s marketing efforts. The contract not only laid out the scope of work to be performed, but the costs and hourly rates associated with the marketing plan.

Since that time, the agency has worked alongside the city’s tourism department to roll out a new “Somewhere to Smile About” brand and launch various marketing campaigns. Now that the contract is set to expire in December, Perlozzo came before the council this week to recommend a two-year renewal.

“You guys have some momentum,” he said, “and you need to stick with the momentum.”

While praising tourism depart-

ment staff for the work they’ve accomplished, Councilwoman Carol Proctor said she had some questions about the city’s investment in BVK. She noted that room tax revenues have declined in recent years.

“When I first came on council, I know the very first year when they came back and they were giving their performance in 2023, we did have a gain. We had a 22% gain,” she explained. “And during that meeting that they presented, they took credit for all of the gain, which in all actuality we picked up an additional revenue stream from online platforms … And then the following two years, we haven't seen a gain. We’ve seen a loss at the end of the year.”

Proctor also questioned how much the city paid BVK in fiscal year 2023.

For his part, Perlozzo said the agency never took full credit for that 22% gain. He also noted the complexities of its payments to BVK.

“What we pay BVK is a series of different items – production, their retainer, they buy the media for us,” he explained. “So it inflates the number, as if we pay BVK.”

However, Perlozzo said his department only spends what it is allotted. That spending, he added, is overseen by the tourism department.

“There’s not one penny that gets spent without the approval of our department,” he said.

Perlozzo also continued to defend BVK’s work. He noted that Ocean City was outperforming other jurisdictions in hotel revenues, which have reported a 20% to 25% drop nationwide.

He also noted that convention center revenue was up $325,000 and that music festivals such as Boardwalk Rock were bringing new people to Ocean City.

“Again, Boardwalk Rock is a per-

fect example,” he said. “You know, 50% of the ticket holders have never been to Maryland or Ocean City. It’s a chance to showcase our product, so I'm really excited about those kinds of things, and that's where we're spending our money.”

However, Proctor said the advertising agency has benefited from those festivals. She questioned what tourism growth the city would have without the C3 Presents concerts.

Proctor also questioned if the city would be better off hiring a local company to manage its marketing.

“We don’t have to pay for their travel, we don’t have to pay for their airfare or lodging, $350 an hour,” she said.

Perlozzo maintained that Ocean City was “lightyears ahead” with BVK leading the helm. He added the agency is the best he had ever worked with.

“We are 100% invested in this,” he said, “and BVK is 100% invested in Ocean City.”

Councilman John Gehrig supported a motion to renew the city’s contract with BVK. He said the

agency had direct access to media companies and better negotiating power when it came to advertising buys.

He also touted its expertise.

“Agencies fill holes, and it’s just impossible for our team to have the areas of expertise that a whole company, agency has …,” he said. “That’s what we’re hiring. We’re hiring expertise. We’re hiring relationships, ideas.”

While acknowledging that Proctor’s questions were “fair,” Mayor Rick Meehan said he believed BVK was doing well in its promotion of Ocean City.

“They’ve done what they said they were going to do, and I think it’s made a difference,” he said.

After further discussion, the council voted unanimously to renew its contract with BVK for an additional two years.

According to the contract, the city pays the agency’s management fee, set at $540,000 a year. That does not include other fees, including those for production, advertising placement and more.

Ocean City to likely see new design standards downtown

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 16, 2025) The Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) will seek grant funding to update its downtown design standards.

With the blessing of the Ocean City Council this week, the nonprofit will apply for a technical assistance grant through the Main Street Maryland Program to begin the lengthy process

of updating design standards in the lower and upper downtown districts.

During a presentation this week, OCDC representatives said the project would improve on standards created more than two decades ago and explore standards for new areas of town.

“What’s going to be required to achieve a downtown design standard update is time and effort – both from Town of Ocean City staff, OCDC staff, professional volunteers, and also probably hired consultants – outreach and input from property owners, and funding for services not provided by the Town of Ocean City or OCDC staff and volunteers,” OCDC President Joe Wilson told council members on Tuesday. “Ultimately, we can write the grant if you decide you have interest.”

Specifically, officials said the update would explore new downtown areas and address some shortcomings of the current design standards.

While the standards worked well for smaller residential and commercial projects, OCDC Executive Director Zach Bankert said that wasn’t the case for large-scale projects, such as hotels and condominiums.

“I think the shortfall of the current standards is that when you are looking at large buildings, they don’t always apply,” he said.

Wilson said the Kyma Hotel, to be built at 700 S. Philadelphia Ave., was a good example of that.

Planned bus stop reduction project delayed

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 16, 2025) The city will not reduce the number of bus stops along Coastal Highway until after the summer season, transportation officials reported this week.

While the goal was to eliminate some of the underutilized bus stops before this weekend’s Boardwalk Rock music festival, Transportation Manager Rob Shearman said that project has been postponed for the coming months.

He said the delay would give the transportation department more time to gather public feedback on the reduction.

“We decided we needed more time to make that outreach, to both the property owners near the stops we were considering moving, as well as do some public outreach to make sure we’re not removing stops that anyone has particular attachment to in terms of their use,” he told members of the Ocean City Transportation Committee on Tuesday.

Currently, the Coastal Highway bus route spans nearly 18 miles, starting at the South Division Street transit station and stopping at the 114th Street transit station.

Noting that the city’s transportation department had explored the

possibility of eliminating some of the 125 stops in recent years, Shearman told the committee earlier this spring that staff members would soon move forward with that reduction.

“We currently have 125 bus stops on that route with an average of 756 feet between them …,’ Shearman said at the time. “We’ve identified somewhere between 15 and 18 that we think could be pared down, that are lesser used and very close to other stops.”

While the reduction is expected to make the bus system more efficient, department heads said they would first gather feedback from nearby property owners. In an update this week, he said those efforts would continue throughout the coming months.

“We’re trying to minimize the inconvenience to anyone by reducing these,” he said.

Shearman added his department had also pared down the list of proposed stops from 18 to 14. He said outreach would allow officials to understand what impacts the proposed reduction would have on the community.

“So we’ve tabled that until after the 2025 peak season,” he concluded.

will continue to have physical pay stations for one more year.

While he said his department had received some pushback from the public, compliance and utilization of the ParkMobile payment app has remained strong.

“I think we anticipated there would be a few people that were resistant to the change but we have not, in my opinion, seen more than anticipated in that regard,” he said.

Officials noted the meterless system is now in effect, but that staff would continue to improve signage throughout town.

Shearman this week also updated the transportation committee on the city’s transition to meterless parking in all areas outside the inlet lot, which

Mayor Rick Meehan also stressed the importance of informing the public and encouraging visitors to download the ParkMobile app before parking in Ocean City.

“The key is to have them get the app before they go and park …,” he said. “It’s so easy once you have it.”

OCDC submitted its grant application, due May 16. If approved, he said the update could take a year, or more, to complete.

“Something, for example, that doesn’t really fall into the design guidelines – but we still think would be a very nice project – would be Kyma, at old Holts Landing,” he said. “It doesn’t fit into our design standards at all, but ultimately it was a really nice product and a nice project that we liked, so we supported it. That goes to show you the discrepancy in what’s written in the design standards.”

OCDC officials said they also wanted to explore ways to resize planned overlay districts in the downtown area. However, Mayor Rick Meehan noted that was likely a function of the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission.

“That’s fine,” Wilson replied. “And I don’t think the grant would go into that anyway.”

Ultimately, Bankert said he was seeking the council’s support before

“It’s not a short process,” he said. “It’s not an easy process.”

For his part, Councilman John Gehrig questioned if the OCDC would gather feedback from officials, community members and businesses when completing its update.

As the design standards are included in the city code, Wilson said it would require public hearings and various city approvals to change.

Bankert added they would also conduct meetings with local stakeholders.

After further discussion, the council voted 7-0 to have OCDC request grant funds to update its design standards.

“It would probably take every single bit of a full year to develop something like that …,” Wilson said this week. “It’s not a small undertaking.”

Police charge Bishopville woman with murder

Investigation ongoing after man found dead in north Worcester County residence

(May 16, 2025) Maryland State Police homicide investigators arrested and charged a woman with the murder of a man whose body was found deceased in a home Monday night in Worcester County.

The suspect is identified as Bon-

nie Hackendorn, 61, of Bishopville. After consultation with the Office of the State’s Attorney in Worcester County, she was charged with firstand second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault and other related firearm charges. Hackendorn was transported to the Worcester

No injuries after shots fired at Stockton Road residence

(May 16, 2025) Maryland State Police are investigating after reported shots fired in Worcester County early Sunday morning.

Shortly after 1:30 a.m., troopers from the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack responded to the 4300-residential block of Stockton Road for a report of shots fired. According to a preliminary investigation, shots were reportedly fired into a residence from a vehicle. No injuries were reported at the scene.

Troopers from the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division responded to the scene and subsequently assumed the investigation.

Crime Scene Technicians from the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division also responded to the scene to collect and process evidence.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack at 410-641-3101. The investigation remains active and ongoing.

County Detention Center where she is currently being held without bond.

The victim is identified as David Shaulis, 57, of Bishopville. Shaulis was pronounced deceased at the scene by Worcester County emergency medical personnel. His body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.

Just before 9:30 p.m. Monday, troopers from the Berlin Barrack responded to a home in the 12,000 block of Shell Mill Road in Bishopville, after receiving a call from a woman, later identified as Hackendorn, reporting that her boyfriend had been shot.

Upon arrival, troopers were met by Hackendorn, inside the home.

Shaulis was located unresponsive and lying on the floor with an apparent gunshot wound. A request was made for the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit to respond and conduct the investigation.

Investigators from the Homicide Unit and the Criminal Enforcement Division responded to the scene, as did crime scene technicians from the State Police Forensic Sciences Division. Search warrants were obtained, and the scene was processed for evidence.

Based on information developed and evidence collected during the preliminary investigation, State Police homicide investigators took Hackendorn into custody and transported her to the Berlin Barrack for processing.

The investigation is continuing.

B. Hackendorn

OC police group’s April activity update given

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 16, 2025) Ocean City’s new police chief said calls for suspicious activity, 911 hangups and city ordinance violations increased last month.

In his first public meeting since his swearing-in ceremony last week, Police Chief Ray Austin provided members of the Ocean City Police Commission with an update on police activity for April.

Throughout the month, the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) received fewer officer calls for service and more citizen calls for service.

“Calls for service, officer-initiated, from April 2024 to 2025 were down, from 2002 to 1988,” he told commission members during Monday’s meeting. “Citizen calls for service – which you guys know I really pay attention to – they are up from April of 2024 to 2025. So we had 793 in 2024 and 857 in April 2025.”

Austin said the most notable calls were for suspicious person/activity, which had increased from 63 last April to 78 this April, and 911 hang ups, which had increased from 88 to 133.

He also noted that city ordinance violations had also jumped from nine to 27.

“In March, which was the last month, in 2024, we had nine, and in March of 2025 there were 20,” he said. “So city ordinance violations are definitely going up, even from March to April.”

Under April enforcement, custodial arrests decreased from 67 to 55, while drug arrests increased slightly from two to five. However, he said data on drug arrests did not reflect the amount of drugs removed from the city’s streets.

“We’re into longer-term drug investigations, and even though the arrests are up the actual quantity of drugs is also up,” he said. “So we’re making a more noticeable impact, from the actual drug dealers we’re getting.”

Austin said the same was true for

weapons arrests. While arrests for those violations declined from nine to six, he said the actual number of weapons seized is much higher.

“For instance, I know recently we had one arrest where we recovered 10 firearms,” he said. “So even though those arrests are there, we’re recovering a lot more quantity-wise.”

OCPD staff on Monday also presented commission members with an update on recruiting. Lt. Allen Hawk said during the month of April, the department received 16 applications, 10 for full-time positions and six for public safety officer (PSO) positions.

“During that month we had 10 with-

drawals, unfortunately,” he added. “Those were for different reasons, whether it be the moving factor – housing – scheduling, graduations, other employment opportunities.”

He said to date, the OCPD has hired 76 PSOs ahead of the summer season. Of those, 61 are new and 15 are returning.

“To put it into perspective, last year we hired 48 civilianized positions,” he said. “This year, we offered 76 individuals jobs for this year, which is over a 50% increase from last year. Now, an asterisk on that, not all of the 76 are going to be employed due to attrition.”

As part of the department’s recruitment initiative, Hawk added that the

OCPD would soon acquire a new recruiting vehicle, one that would be wrapped in a Maryland flag design and feature the city’s recruitment website. Austin noted the vehicle would go to area high schools.

“This is a big deal,” he said. “We’re going to start recruiting for our public safety officers through the high schools. And this is modernized, they like seeing this type of stuff.”

Hawk this week also provided commission members with the total number of active officers on the force. As of Monday, the OCPD had 104 officers. He said that does not include 11 officers that are out for suspensions, injuries or academy training.

Cruisin’ a success, say city police

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 16, 2025) Command staff said despite an uptick in arrests and citations, this year’s Spring Cruisin’ event was a success.

Police Chief Ray Austin told members of the Ocean City Police Commission on Monday that the 2025 Spring Cruisin’ motor event had been largely successful, noting the lack of injuries and fatalities throughout the weekend.

However, he did note trouble spots, particularly in uptown Ocean City, where Cruisin’ participants and hangers-on gathered during the late evening hours in the parking lots of private businesses.

“It was really crowded going from Wawa down to Food Lion,” he said. “I think the Food Lion had put out some porta-potties … You put the porta-potties out there, that’s where the venue became.”

Officials noted that the problems didn’t necessarily come from Cruisin’ par-

ticipants, but from those who followed the festivities. Capt. Dennis Eade said that while the number of people in town had reportedly decreased this year, he said arrests, citations and DUI arrests had increased.

“Speaking of the police department, we were up in citations, we were up in arrests, we were up in DUI arrests, and we had less people in town,” he said. “So the men and women out there did a really fine job of keeping this thing under wraps. As mentioned, no serious crashes or fatalities.”

Austin added that total arrests had increased from 32 to 53, while exhibition driving infractions had increased from 37 to 47.

“That’s too many,” Mayor Rick Meehan replied.

However, while Austin said that spring Cruisin’ had created issues in prior years, he said the event had improved. City officials added that problem behaviors at previous spring Cruisin’ events had even led to the formation of the city’s motor vehicle task force.

“I’ve been gone the last couple of years, but that was way better than when I left,” the chief said.

Meehan said ideas for improving the fall Cruisin’ event would be discussed at a future motor vehicle task force meeting. Austin added that the department would also communicate with private businesses regarding parking lot gatherings.

“I thought that it went pretty well,” he said of the weekend.

Cindy Crockett

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(May 16, 2025) Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS) has once again earned national recognition for its dedication to music education by being named a 2025 Best Community for Music Education by The NAMM Foundation.

This marks the seventh consecutive year that WCPS has received this prestigious distinction, which highlights school districts that excel in providing students with high-quality access to music learning opportunities.

The honor is awarded to districts that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to music education, based on a comprehensive review of factors such as program funding, student participation, instructional time, staffing, facilities, and community engagement. WCPS’s submission underwent a thorough verification process and was reviewed by researchers at The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

“Receiving this award year after year reflects the sustained excellence and unwavering support for music education across our schools,” said Tamara Mills, coordinator of fine and performing arts for WCPS. “Our students thrive when they have the opportunity to engage in music—it strengthens their cognitive, academic, and emotional development in ways that are both powerful and lasting.”

Superintendent of Schools Louis H. Taylor said, “We are incredibly proud to be recognized once again as one of the best communities for music education. This achievement is a testament to the passion and dedication of our music educators and the strong support from our families, staff, and Board of Education. Music is not an ‘extra’—it is essential to preparing well-rounded, inspired, and capable young people.”

Decades of research continue to show that music education boosts brain development, enhances memory and language skills, and contributes to stronger academic performance. Music-making has also been linked to greater social skills, including collaboration, communication, and problem-solving—skills that are critical for success in school and beyond.

Berlin appeals reduction of commercial property’s value

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(May 15, 2025) Much to the consternation of the property owner, the Town of Berlin recently appealed a property tax assessment to Dollar General that yielded over a 20% reduction in property value.

If the decreased assessment is upheld, the municipality would see a property tax revenue loss of around $4,000.

Wayne Hartman, who owns the property currently leased to Dollar General on Decatur Street, came before Berlin’s Mayor and Council on Monday, May 12. Hartman said that he received a letter from the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation that informed him the municipality had appealed a reduction in property valuation of his commercial site. Hartman is also a delegate representing District 38C in Maryland.

The value appealed by the town came in at around $1.8 million, or a drop of approximately $491,000 from the original $2.5 million assessment.

On Monday night during citizen comments, Hartman informed the Berlin council, which was unaware the town had filed an appeal, that prior to the municipality’s involvement, he had issued a reconsideration for a tax bill on his Dollar General property. After a “two-year, hard-fought battle” and with help from realtors, his petition was granted, and the store’s property value was reduced.

“Back when I bought the property three years ago, interest rates were very low,” Hartman said. “So, the cap (capitalization) rate was very low, and it was fixed based on the rent. So, if you do the math, the value of the property was very high. I paid nearly $2.5 million for the property. Since then, we have had a dramatic increase in interest rates, and now the cap rates are much higher, so rent being the same … the value of the store is much lower … I had valuations from different realtors, and the valuation that the state came back with lowered my assessment to $1.8 million.”

As the assessment reduction was more than 20% of its original value, courtesy by the state is to send a letter to the Town of Berlin. Upon receipt of the state’s notice, the municipality filed an appeal of the property value decrease. Hartman argued against this move at the meeting and had previously reached out to Councilman Jay Knerr about his concerns.

“I think it’s a very bad look for the town to be fighting these [reductions],” Councilman Jay Knerr said. “…We could have gone to [Hartman] and said, ‘Hey, what’s going on here?’

I think that would have been a fair approach.”

Other staff and council members argued that Dollar General’s property value reduction would result in the town losing funds necessary to provide residents with goods and services.

“My standpoint on the appeal is reduction of assessed value, which is lost revenue for the Town of Berlin,” said Natalie Saleh, the town’s finance director. “As the finance director, I would advocate to appeal because we’re losing the revenue that provides services to the citizens and residents of the Town of Berlin.”

Other than Knerr, the Berlin council was unaware of the town-filed appeal against the reduction of Hartman’s Dollar General property. Still, Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols agreed with Saleh, noting that a decrease in accumulated property taxes does not serve the town.

“It’s a loss of revenue for the town,” she added. “… I’m not saying that any constituent or any property owner in this town … I’m not saying that any of them shouldn’t have the right to appeal, but at the same time, if it comes to the town and it looks like you could possibly lose revenue

Lost property tax revenue concern for Berlin

that’s coming into the town, we have that same right as well.”

The conversation was heated, and it was unclear to whom with the Town of Berlin directed the appeal to be made.

Saleh said she sent an appeal letter to the State of Maryland at the direction of Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall and administration for more information as to why the reduction took place.

“The page we received stated that this particular property had filed a reduction in assessed value,” the finance director said. “As the Town of Berlin and Mayor and Council, you have the right to appeal the decision … so me receiving instructions from the mayor and the town administrator to proceed with the process, we

have filed an appeal to basically appeal the reduced value of the 20% of the commercial property.”

Hartman responded, arguing that if Saleh filed the appeal at the direction of Tyndall, it “changes a lot of the conversation.”

However, Tyndall maintained that he stayed out of the appeal process.

“The direction is that staff were asked to handle this at the staff level,” the mayor said. “I did not play the part in drafting the letter, I did not play a part…[Hartman], you’re trying to find something that doesn’t exist … The reason I was staying out of that was because I don’t think this process should be political.”

Hartman continued to express his dissatisfaction with the town’s appeal whoever ordered it.

“[Tyndall], you told me you had

nothing to do with it,” Hartman responded. “Natalie just said that she was directed by you. That’s a big difference. As an elected person, you’re directing somebody to work against somebody investing in the town.”

The property owner said that supporting a small business like Dollar General is necessary to maintain a community that supports all its residents. According to Hartman, many Berlin citizens use the shop for their household and grocery needs because they don’t have transportation to larger stores like Food Lion or Walmart.

If the reduced property value is overturned, Hartman worries that the costly property taxes may discourage Dollar General from renewing its lease and thus ending its services to the Berlin community.

Hartman added that as the landlord in a triple net lease arrangement, he is not responsible for the tax bill but wants to do his best to retain fairness and the shop’s benefit to residents.

“With stores like that, my concern is that their margins are getting smaller,” Hartman said. “... If that store goes dark, where do those constituents go? Those constituents that you represent are the ones who are going to be impacted by a decision like this. If we’re not going to be fair,

if it’s about a need for money, so desperately, for the town, then I’m glad we had this conversation.”

Nichols resisted the idea that Berlin’s Dollar General is at risk of shutting down. According to the councilmember, the brand is re-strategizing to markets, offering customers a more well-rounded shopping experience with additional merchandise.

“Maybe Dollar General is different from what I see, but what I’ve heard and read and seen with my own eyes is that they’re not closing, they’re rebranding and opening Dollar General Markets now,” Nichols said. “I don’t see this one closing because of this right here.”

Hartman hoped the councilwoman was right, but if the appeal led to the reinstatement of a higher property value and thus raised the taxes, Berlin’s shop would be at risk.

“We can’t look at businesses as an ATM,” he said.

Berlin staff maintained that this was the first assessment reduction over 20% in recent memory. As such, no current policy or precedent requires staff to always appeal the new estimate. Even so, Hartman reiterated that the move to appeal in this case does a disservice to Dollar General shoppers.

“I just want what’s fair,” Hartman concluded.

WAR MEMORIAL FLAGS

The recent installation of new flag poles and the overall enhancement of the war memorial area on West and Main streets was celebrated by Berlin officials before Monday’s Mayor and Council meeting. Above, representatives from the American Legion Post #123 join town officials at the site. The legion donated $7,500 to the We Heart Berlin group, which then turned the funds over to the town to complete the work. The new poles stand 30 feet tall compared to the previous 20 feet and feature larger flags.

Pines community invited to environment awareness day

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(May 16, 2025) The Bay Day event is coming back to Ocean Pines this weekend for its sixth year. Experts will provide attendees with resources, tips, and information on protecting nearby waterways.

The Ocean Pines Association (OPA) and the Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP) will welcome community members to White Horse Park on Sunday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Representatives from MCBP, OPA, and local environmental groups will be on-site, hosting educational activities and booths to garner community support for continuing to improve and advocate for the health of the channels that shoulder Ocean Pines.

“The Ocean Pines community resides directly on the St. Martin River, a waterway that historically scores lower on overall health compared to the bays,” said MCBP Education Coordinator Liz Wist. “The hope in holding it in Ocean Pines is that a large population of residents will come out to learn about resources available to them to help improve the river that impacts so many of their lives.”

Attendees can take bay boat tours on the OC Bay Hopper, visit a live animal exhibit, take a storybook walk, and em-

bark on a scavenger hunt. A sensory area will also be set up for young children. Wist added that there will be hands-on make-and-take nature art for youth and opportunities for adults to “interact with and learn from dedicated organizations who work towards the health of our bays.”

“This event does not just cater to one age bracket,” the education coordinator said.

A recycling station will be set up where community members can drop off their alkaline batteries, old phones, and other items for recycling. Go green OC will collect compost on-site. Local parks, museums, art associations, farmers, fishing groups, garden clubs, advocacy organizations, and other environmental nonprofits are also slated to participate in Bay Day.

“Bay Day itself is unique for the wide range of educational activities offered,” said Wist. “We are hoping we are able to broaden our community’s knowledge on topics that we are already interested in, and maybe even spark a new passion.”

Bay Day typically yields around 1,000 to 1,500 attendees. Organizers are hopeful this year’s event brings in similar numbers.

“The weather is looking good for us,” Wist noted.

In addition to focusing on protecting

the community’s environment, Bay Day will feature entertainment and refreshments. The May 18 function will include live music from Schizophrenic Boogiemen and food from The Street Kitchen, Kona Ice, and the Kiwanis Club.

Bay Day is a collaborative effort between the MCBP and OPA. Wist said that the environmental group “organizes all the moving parts of the event that include the activities, exhibitors, volunteers, materials, and some of the marketing,” while OPA takes on more of a “backbone” role.

“[OPA] gives us creative freedom for the event, provides the funds to make this happen, helps support marketing, and is the most gracious host site that supplies us with bathrooms, water fountains, the stage, trash cans, and more,” Wist said. “It truly is collaborative, and we appreciate the six-year relationship

we have had with their Recreation and Parks Department.”

OPA and MCBP hope that the event will spur community involvement in the efforts to maintain the health and cleanliness of the bays surrounding the wooded neighborhood. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more from the environmental teams about initiatives aimed at supporting this mission and what they can do to help the cause.

“The Maryland Coastal Bays Program relies on our communities to help us protect the resources and ecology of our Coastal Bays,” said MCBP Executive Director Kevin Smith.

“Events like Bay Day are important to communicate relevant and current environmental information to interested citizens and provide a basis of support to help keep our waterways clean and beautiful.”

Bay Day in Ocean Pines allows community residents, including adults and children, to explore the ways they can keep the nearby bays clean and healthy.

9748 Stephen Decatur Hwy. #112 Ocean City, MD 21842

1321-B Mt. Hermon Rd. Salisbury, MD 21804 443-856-4676 Monday-Friday www.batielaw.com

Groups request say in future of Main Street Visitor Center

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(May 16, 2025) Berlin Town Hall is set to undergo renovations soon, requiring town staff to temporarily move to the town’s Main Street Visitor Center and potentially displacing community groups.

The Berlin Mayor and Council are seeking potential new uses for the welcome center and invite community members to share their suggestions.

Two weeks ago, town officials briefly discussed the issue with plans to broadly talk about the facility’s future at an upcoming meeting. The conversation was brought up on Monday night by Calvin B. Taylor House President Melissa Reid during the public comments portion of the meeting.

Reid asked the governing body to include stakeholder groups in the discussion when considering potential avenues for the town’s welcome center. Currently, the building is utilized by Berlin’s two-person Economic and Community Development Department, the Berlin Chamber of Commerce and the nonprofit Beach to Bay Heritage Area. The center also services as a welcome area for tour buses as well as contains literature about the town and its businesses.

Reid added the Taylor House also

uses a closet at the site to store things like tents and chairs used sporadically for special events.

When the improvement work at Town Hall begins, displaced staff will be moved to the Visitor Center until the construction is completed. As of now, the chamber and Beach to Bay Heritage Area will be forced to find new accommodations. The nonprofit and the chamber relocation may be temporary, and their use of the facility is unclear once the Town Hall project is finalized.

However, town officials maintain the move-out could well be permanent.

“I think it would be great if there could be a larger conversation with maybe some of the stakeholders who are currently utilizing [the Visitor Center] … explore some uses of the building before a final decision is made about what happens to that building after the renovations to Town Hall,” Reid said.

Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall maintained the council would consider a wide range of options before making a concrete decision.

Councilman Jack Orris noted that a plan should be agreed upon soon so the groups currently in the Visitor Center can strategize.

“After the renovations are done, and our staff is back to where they’re going to be, and [the visitor center] is empty…is there a strong feeling one way or another of any direction the building should go?” Orris said. “Sold? Bringing the folks back that were there, sharing the space? The ultimate thing is I think that the groups who were there, I think they understand what’s happening. We’re doing a renovation. They are just looking to see…they need to have some solid plan on our end because they have to look for other options.”

Councilman Steve Green asked if the departments currently using the Main Street facility pay rent to the Town of Berlin to use the site. Town Administrator Mary Bohlen confirmed they do not.

“I’m interested in hearing about these different avenues,” Green said. “… Rent space should be charged, and what that looks like, that’s an exploration process I’m very interested in hearing about.”

Tyndall maintained the storage closet used by the Taylor House will be unaffected throughout the Town Hall renovations. However, the closet cannot be promised when the improvement work is completed and the Visitor Center is potentially repurposed. The new public works structure planned for Heron Park will likely be able to accommodate items from the museum for storage.

“The goal is to have some storage capacity at the new public works building,” Tyndall said. “Can I promise that

Temporary move planned for town hall renovations

everything the Taylor House wants to store there will be accommodated? No, but I can say that if we can be a good community partner to help out with stuff like that, we’re not going to say no, more than likely, within reason.”

The museum can pay rent for any storage space they need, Reid noted.

According to Tyndall, the Visitor Center conversation began following a letter from Beach to Bay Heritage Area (BBHA) to the Berlin Mayor and Council.

“The Beach to Bay Heritage Area is hoping that you will continue to allow us to operate in this space, and with your support, BBHA can continue to o er programs, and funding … at the same level unencumbered by the expense of rent and utilities,” the correspondence reads. “We will be able to continue to participate in showcasing Berlin as a town with such a strong link to the heritage of the region.”

Per the group’s letter, BBHA’s mission is to “preserve, protect, and promote the heritage assets within each designated area. Our area is comprised of Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset counties. We advocate for strong support of the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA), fair and consistent funding for its partners, and the resources our communities need to grow and thrive, and to promote heritage tourism.”

The note adds the nonprofit offers an annual $25,000 mini-grant program, and that an impact report from 2020 revealed that the team “contributes to $230 million economic impact, supports 3,000 jobs and adds $29.6 million in state and local taxes.”

Tyndall said that while the future of the Visitor Center is uncertain, his position remains the town will likely not lease the building at a decreased amount.

“How this whole conversation got started was Beach to Bay wanted a reduced rate on rent and what I said … was that’s probably not going to happen, that we’re not going to lease the building to Beach to Bay at a reduced rate where the town still has the liability of maintenance and upkeep,” the mayor said.

Tyndall said the goal is to move staff from Town Hall to the Visitor Center in December. Thus, a pathway must be decided on soon.

“I think there could be some options that could be discussed and then certainly that’s your all’s decision, that might be able to solve a couple of different problems,” Reid said. “All I’m hoping is that there can be some kind of collective discussion before a final decision is made.”

Tyndall concurred, reiterating that any suggestions are welcome.

“This is the gathering of ideas phase,” he said.

Eastern Shore

DAR RECOGNIZES CADETS

The Daughters of the American Revolution General Levin Winder Chapter Regent Sharon Moak and National Defense Committee Chair Pat Arata recently presented a DAR Bronze JROTC Medal to Cadet Maddison French, above left, Pocomoke High School MJROTC, and Cadet

Alyssa Carpenter, above right, Snow Hill High School MJROTC. Recipients of this award must be either a junior or senior student in a secondary school JROTC program and must have demonstrated qualities of dependability and good character, adherence to military discipline, leadership ability, andzz a fundamental and patriotic understanding of the importance of ROTC training. The chapter has been sponsoring this award since 2001.

At left, Moak and Arata also presented a Silver DAR Outstanding Cadet Medal to Cadet Makaiya Robinette at Stephen Decatur High School. This medal is awarded to a student for participation in a non-ROTC, military-affiliated cadet program funded by a school or privately and honors a cadet who has distinguished himself or herself through outstanding leadership, honor, service, courage and patriotism. The chapter has presented this award annually since 2014.

Pines prepares second season kickoff expo

Ocean

Pines

clubs, groups, amenities and businesses to sell themselves Saturday

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(May 15, 2025) The second annual Ocean Pines Season Kickoff Expo will be held this weekend at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Park, providing residents the opportunity to explore local businesses, neighborhood amenities, clubs and more.

On Saturday, May 17, Ocean Pines citizens are invited to the Veterans Memorial Park between the South Gate Pond and Racetrack Road. The event, featuring booths from community activities, nearby establishments, and amenity information, will kick off at 11 a.m. The function will end around 3 p.m.

The Ocean Pines expo is free to attend. Attendees can ask about community offerings, like golf, aquatic, or racquet center memberships. Residents can also connect with local businesses, gather information on available lessons and upcoming social events, and discover volunteer opportunities. According to a press release by the Ocean Pines Association, the kickoff will include giveaways and raffle prizes.

Linda Yurche, OPA’s Communica-

tions Committee leader, and Gary Miller, the chair of the Aquatics Advisory Committee, are co-captaining the event. The community release maintained that last year’s inaugural kickoff at White Horse Park yielded nearly 1,000 attendees. To accommodate similarly anticipated numbers this time, the organizers moved the function to the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Park.

“The new location allows for additional vendor space, more convenient parking, and increased visibility,” the press release said.

Food vendors will be on-site for OPA residents to purchase lunch as they browse the community information booths. Yurche said that Kona

Ice was at the expo last year and agreed to bring its shaved ice to the kickoff this week. Additional refreshment offerings will also be available for participants. Furthermore, seating will be arranged for shade and dining accommodations in the new Veterans Memorial Park pavilion, completed in November.

When planning last year’s expo, the original mission was to market Ocean Pines’ amenities in the springtime, informing residents of what’s available and spurring membership numbers ahead of the summer season. Yurche noted that the idea expanded to include clubs, nearby businesses, and volunteer groups as preparation continued.

Maintaining a lively, involved neighborhood is the event’s primary goal.

“I think the value of this event now, and hopefully going into the future, is that it connects people, businesses, and organizations in a positive way,” Yurche said in February. “When you’re on social media, you hear people complaining about this and that. There’s always something that could be better, that people could do better, and you can get a downer view if you just listen to what people say on social media. When they come together in person and see their neighbors, all of a sudden, all of the good stuff comes back to you, and I think that guides our vision.”

Pine Tones concert set for June 8

(May 16, 2025) With 11 new members, the Pine Tones Chorus announces its upcoming concert on June 8.

Musical Director Jenny Anderson said the extra voices, the rehearsals and enthusiasm for the material are paying off.

“We are sounding better than ever,” said Anderson, who added additional voices in each section provide more

power and presence for the spring presentation, Sounds of the ‘70s.

The chorus will present a fun show with period costumes and a variety of ensemble and small chorus presentations on Sunday, June 8, at 3 p.m. at the Community Church at Ocean Pines. Tickets will be available at the door for $15 (cash or check only). Chorus members and audience alike will groove to classic favorites like Bridge

Over Troubled Water, Joy to the World, Rocky Mountain High, Where You Lead, and Shambala.

The chorus has a 40-plusyear history as a non-profit, all-volunteer group of folks who love to sing for their community. This season is partially funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, through the Maryland State Arts Council and Worcester County Arts Council.

Memorial Day ceremony set for May 26 in Ocean Pines

(May 16, 2025) The largest Memorial Day ceremony in the region returns to the Worcester County Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines, on Monday, May 26, starting at 11 a.m.

The event each year draws thousands of people to the memorial grounds and features music, demonstrations, and public speakers honoring U.S. Military men and women who gave their lives in service.

“Memorial Day honors all who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our county,” Veterans Memorial Foundation President Marie Gilmore said. “This year’s ceremony, as those before it, will honor the brave men and women who served our country and lost their lives in doing so.”

Gilmore said the keynote speaker this year will be retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Robert J. Rosales, a Naval Academy graduate who grew up in Seaford, Del., and attended then-Worcester Country School (now Worcester Prep).

The ceremony will also honor local Gold Star families. During World War I, families would fly flags or ban-

ners with a blue star for every immediate family member serving in combat. If one of them died, a gold star replaced the blue star.

Walter Webster, a member of the Maryland East Chapter of Ex-POWs, will place a wreath in honor of all current and former prisoners of war.

The program will also include patriotic music performed by Randy Lee Ashcraft, The Delmarva Chorus, Patrick Lehnerd a local performer and Seaside Christian Academy chorus.

The program is scheduled to run for one hour.

Public parking will be available at Veterans Memorial Park on Route 589 and Cathell Road in Ocean Pines. Limited seating will be available during the Memorial Day ceremony and guests are encouraged to bring chairs.

In case of inclement weather, the Memorial Day ceremony will move to the Ocean Pines Community Center and be announced on the www.oceanpines.org and www.wocovets.org websites and on social media.

58

CHATHAM COURT THE PARKE 55+ COMMUNITY OCEAN PINES

Beautifully maintained, freshly painted & move-in ready. Single-level floorplan with fireplace, sunroom & hot tub. Spacious primary suite. 2-car garage with plenty of storage. Exclusive access to Parke amenities: indoor pool, fitness center & sauna, clubhouse & recreational activities. Minutes to Ocean City beaches. Ocean Pines award-winning golf course, pickleball & tennis courts, 2 marinas, indoor & outdoor pools & more! Relax, socialize, or stay active - this home puts it all within reach. Low-maintenance living in amenity-rich neighborhood! $439,000

Nikki Rayne Rose

(410) 726-1448

Nominees sought

Ocean City’s Beautification Committee is currently seeking nominations for the 2025 Beauty Spot Awards. The available categories for Beauty Spot nominations are as follows: residential, condominium, retail, hotel, motel, commercial, restaurant and the Boardwalk. Only nominated properties will be judged and the Beautification Committee is asking for the public’s help in finding those special properties that are evidence of civic pride and community beauty.

“A property can be nominated by anyone, including the resident or owner of a residence or business, a relative, neighbor, friend, customer or just a passerby,” commented Beautification Committee Chairperson Donna Greenwood. “Once all nominations are in, the Beautification Committee will travel around town to view all the nom-

inated properties and will judge them based on plants, flowers, trees, shrubbery, grasses, design, layout, etc. that complement the property.”

According to Greenwood, even those properties with little or no ground in which to plant can imaginatively use containers, planters, window boxes, hanging baskets or something else to improve the “curb-side” appeal of their property and can be nominated. Also, those who make an effort to beautify unattractive areas such as dumpsters, electric boxes, etc., can be recognized. The winners, with their awards, will be presented in the fall at a Mayor and City Council meeting.

To nominate a property, please call Donna Greenwood at 410-289-7060 or email ocdonnag@aol.com. The deadline for submission is Saturday, June 21, 2025. OCBC asks that the submission include the property owner’s name, street address, and a

contact phone number for the property owner. Additionally, please include your name and phone number so that the location and information can be verified, and a photo of the property.

Student achievements

The following bullet points represent a collection of press releases distributed to the newspaper.

Eileen Eslin of Berlin, a senior Cinema major, premiered an original student-produced film at the McDaniel Cinema Showcase on May 8 at McDaniel College in Westminster.

Julianna Fohner, of Ocean City, was one of seven Shenandoah University women’s lacrosse players to earn 2025 All-Old Dominion Athletic Conference honors in selections announced May 6. Fohner, a defender, led the team with 41 caused turnovers this season, including 14 in conference

games. In addition to the caused turnovers, Fohner helped transition the ball down the field with 53 ground balls. Over her career, Fohner has earned an All-ODAC award in all four years, including three first-team distinctions.

Blake Moore of Berlin was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, at University of Maryland Global Campus.

Devon Tingle of Ocean City has completed the Leadership Development Program through the University of Maryland Global Campus chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success during the 2024-25 academic year. The leadership program prepares NSLS members to be effective leaders in their lives and careers.

Salisbury University students elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines, include Claudio Garcia of Berlin and Mackenzie Wheelock of Ocean City.

Michael Harmon of Ocean City has been named to the 2024 fall trimester Dean’s List at Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Florida Campus in Port Orange, Fla.

Amie Merriken of Berlin earned a Master of Business Administration from University of Maryland Global Campus in winter 2025.

Jarrett Humphress of Ocean City has been named to Southern New Hampshire University’s Spring 2025 Dean’s List. The spring terms run from January to May.

Golf tourney announced

The Mr. & Mrs. Riccio Memorial Foundation, established as a 501c3 and recognized by the governor of Maryland with a citation, has announced its 25th anniversary fundraising golf tournament on May 30-June 1.

This milestone event honors the legacy of Mr. & Mrs. Riccio, a couple who made a lasting impact on the community through their commitment to helping others.

Since its founding, the foundation has been committed to assisting children and families with special needs or those facing hardship and illness. Over the past 25 years, the annual golf tournament has been a cornerstone of the foundation’s efforts, bringing together generous sponsors, loyal participants, and dedicated volunteers to raise crucial funds for these families. This year is no exception.

The 25th annual event promises an exciting weekend of golf, camaraderie, and philanthropy, as longtime supporters and new participants alike come together under the foundation’s motto: “Forever Strong.”  Participants should email OCMDgolf@gmail.com to sponsor, donate or play.

Zink recognized for local service, dedication

By Michael Todd Contributing Writer

(May 16, 2025) This week we recognize Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company (OCVFC) member Cole Zink, whose summer internship with OCVFC helped launch his career in firefighting and earned him the Firefighter of the Year award.

A graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, Zink earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Fire, Arson, and Explosion Investigation in 2021. His connection with OCVFC began during his freshman year of college when he was researching summer live-in internships to fulfill his academic requirements.

“Coming from a small farm town in NJ growing up and volunteering there, OCMD was a very fast-paced and aggressive wake-up call,” Zink reflects on his initial experience with the department. He first joined in 2018 and currently serves as an associate member. Though primarily a “backstep firefighter,” he was approved to serve as a “Crew Leader” during summer duty crews.

Zink’s eight years of service with OCVFC have included participation on the water rescue team, where he responded to one of his most memorable calls. “We had a small plane crash into the surf one summer evening, and I happened to be one of the first rescue swimmers to enter the water,” he recalls.

Zink’s exceptional performance during a water rescue in 2021 earned him an incident citation in 2022.

Perhaps his most treasured experience came during his senior year summer when he was assigned to Battalion Chief Derrick Simpson as his “Chief’s Aid.” “That was by far the most memorable and best summer I had with the OCVFC,” Zink shares.

As a summer intern, Zink was involved in various committees and projects, including the Fire Camp organized by OCVFC members. He and fellow students from Eastern Kentucky University helped build the foundation for the internship program between OCVFC and their university, creating a pathway for future fire science students to gain valuable experience in Ocean City.

In 2019, Zink’s dedication and service were recognized when he received the Firefighter of the Year award. This recognition highlighted his commitment to the department and the Ocean City community during his time as an intern.

After college, Zink continued his fire service journey by moving into a live-in program at a firehouse in Prince George’s County, Maryland, while working as a bouncer and bar back at a bar in College Park. Currently, he is attending the Baltimore

City Fire Academy, where he is pursuing his career as a firefighter/EMT with Baltimore City Fire Department.

“Being a part of the OCVFC has really set the foundation for my career in the fire service,” Zink acknowledges. “I have also made lifelong friends and memories that I will never forget.”

As the first generation of firefighters in his family, Zink appreciates the mentorship he received from OCVFC members. “I cannot say just one member has had the biggest impact on my development in the fire service. Every single member I had the opportunity to meet, past and present, had really set the bar high for me.”

Some of his fondest memories involve simply spending time at the firehouse. “Sitting around the table joking, talking, eating, and learning,” he recalls of his internship experiences. These moments, alongside the emergency responses, helped shape his approach to firefighting and his career aspirations.

For cadets and future members interested in the fire service, Zink offers this advice: “Never give up at chasing your dreams, never become complacent, always want to learn and grow as an individual in and outside of the

fire service, and just have fun—it’s the best job in the world.”

What makes OCVFC special to Zink is both its operational environment and organizational culture. “Becoming one of the busiest cities during its summer months with a vast variety of emergency calls has to be what makes OCVFC stand out as a very unique fire service compared to others,” he explains. He also values “the fact that you can belong to such a strong, aggressive, and growing organization always willing to put their lives on the line for the best interest of the public.”

During his time with OCVFC, Zink observed the department’s ability “to overcome and adapt to a broad spectrum of new ideas and technology that will better improve the outcome to the community in emergency situations as well as in the day-to-day life for the residents and tourists in OCMD.”

We thank Cole for his dedicated service to the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company and congratulate him on pursuing his dream of becoming a career firefighter with Baltimore City Fire Department.

For membership information or to learn more about your volunteer fire company, visit ocvfc.com.

Cole Zink

Salisbury flyers to have new options in flights to Orlando

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(May 16, 2025) Low-cost carrier Breeze Airways has been announced as the new airline flying direct routes from the Lower Shore to Florida starting this fall.

The agreement between the Salisbury Regional Airport and Breeze, announced May 7, will provide nonstop flights to Orlando International Airport pm Fridays and Mondays. While service won’t start until Oct. 1, the airline is taking reservations online now. Its business model has tickets priced as low as $59 before making available upgrades that may increase the fare, like extra legroom or having a carry-on bag. Breeze’s fleet of brand-new Airbus A220-300 planes can seat about 150 passengers across three price-tiered cabin sections.

Airport officials and Breeze have been collaborating for nearly three years to bring the agreement to fruition, according to airport manager Tony Rudy.

“I’m excited that we finally landed this – excuse the pun,” Rudy said. “I think it’s going to be well-received, just by talking to people in the community. I think they’re excited.”

Rudy described the airline as upand-coming, having grown service to 70 markets since its founding in 2021. Breeze founder and CEO David Neeleman in a statement said adding Salisbury to its roster fits the airline’s business model of targeting underserved markets.

While Orlando is one of the mostvisited destinations for Delmarva residents – with a catchment area defined by Cambridge to the west, Seaford to the north, and Chincoteague to the south – the Salisbury airport in a study learned it had been losing market share to nearby airports in Baltimore, Washington, and Philadelphia.

Rudy said the results of that study, which was based on federal transportation data, convinced airport officials to pursue direct flights to Florida themselves.

It started with what Rudy jokingly called a “speed dating” event, where dozens of airline reps man booths to meet with airport managers, not unlike like a job fair in a hotel ballroom. “You have, like, 12 minutes to make your pitch and have them ask questions. After that, you move on to the next one,” he said.

One of the ways the Salisbury airport sweetened the deal for Breeze was by offering a hedge against early losses with a $800,000 grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

It’s called a comprehensive revenue guarantee: should Breeze lose money during its first two years of operation, then it would be allowed to dip into that cash on a monthly basis. Some of the money is also earmarked for marketing and start-up costs.

“Obviously, when they start off, it’s a big risk, you know?” Rudy said. “They’re not exactly sure how many tickets they’re going to sell, how quickly, if the service is going to catch on. It’s like – if you can offer this, we will come to your market. Maybe another market can’t offer that, right? Everyone’s competing kind of on the same playing field, so that’s why we went after the grant for that.”

More than $217,000 in pledges from local businesses and governments supplemented the federal grant – including $50,000 each from both Worcester and Wicomico counties – bringing the airline’s safety net to more than $1 million

In the near future, the Salisbury airport has a runway extension project slated for completion in summer 2026, as well as potential plans to expand its parking lot, which is a revenue generator.

Could even more airlines come to Salisbury? Rudy says his fingers are crossed.

“We’re continuing to go to these air service forums and present our case, see if there’s any other interest out there,” he said. “We’d like to drum up more service. It might take a little while, wait and see how Breeze does and, you know, just build our base from there.”

Who’s Where When

BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28

410-289-BUXY

28th Street Coastal Hwy.

Saturday, May 17: DJ Wax

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

410-289-7192

15th & Boardwalk

In The Courtyard Marriott

Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue

COCONUTS BEACH BAR

410-289-6846

Oceanfront At Castle

In The Sand Hotel

37th & 38th Streets

Friday, May 16: Darin Engh & Beg 2 Differ

Saturday, May 17:

Kevin Poole & Joe Mama & Jukebox Trio

Sunday, May 18:

Carley Twigg & Sister Midnight

Monday, May 19: Heather Vidal & Fred & Wilma Duo

Tuesday, May 20: Johnny Cardo & Dave Hawkins & Joe Mama

3rd Tipsy Turtle Tuesday!

Wednesday, May 21: The Bilenki Duo & Heather Vidal

Thursday, May 22:

Kevin Poole Solo & Local Crew Duo

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th Street Plaza

On Coastal Hwy.

Friday, May 16: Monkee Paw

Saturday, May 17: Cup Of Joe

CRABCAKE

FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE

Sunday, May 18: Uncle Ward

Wednesday, May 21: Dawn Williams

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Friday, May 16: Mercury Agenda

Saturday, May 17: TBA

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St., In The Bay

Friday, May 16: Kittyback, High Voltage & DJ RobCee

Saturday, May 17: The Woo Hoo, Decade 80 & DJ Groove

Monday, May 19: Great Train Robbery & DJ Hector

FISH TAILS

410-289-0990

22nd St., & Bay

Sunday, May 18: Nate Clendenen

Tuesday, May 20: Bilge Rats

Wednesday, May 21: DJ Wax

Thursday, May 22: Lauren Glick

Best Beats On The Beach

GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY Fager’s Island: Monday, May 19

SURREAL

Purple Moose Saloon: Friday & Saturday, May 16 & 17 DJ ROBCEE

PHIL PERDUE Captain’s Table: Fridays & Saturdays

DJ MARY JANE Seacrets:

TEENAGE RUST & THE FABULOUS RUSTETTES

Jolly Jellyfish: Friday, May 16

BLACK HOLE SONS Seacrets: Friday, March 16

MONKEE PAW

Coins Pub: Friday, May 16

KEVIN POOLE & JOE MAMA

Coconuts Beach Bar: Saturday, May 17 & Thursday, May 22

MARLIN CITY MAD MEN

Pickles Pub: Saturday, May 17

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

THE ZOO

Seacrets: Thursday, May 22

ON THE EDGE

Jolly Jellyfish: Sunday, May 18

THE BILENKI DUO

Coconuts Beach Bar: Wednesday, May 21

Who’s Where When

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Route 611, West OC

Every Wednesday: Bingo w/ Blake

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.

Fridays: DJ Billy T

Saturday, May 17: DJ Harvey Cinco & DJ Bigler

Sundays: Opposite Directions & Wayne Blake

Wednesday, May 21: DJ Billy T Thursdays: Dust N Bones

JOLLY JELLYFISH BEACH CLUB

443-664-6147

98th Street Coastal Hwy., Plaza Condominium

Friday, May 16: Teenage Rust & The Fabulous Rustettes

Saturday, May 17:

Colossal Fosil Sauce

Sunday, May 18:

Big Deck Energy Party

Featuring On The Edge

Monday, May 19: First Class

Tuesday, May 20: Lost Figures

Wednesday, May 21:

Joe Mama & The Friends

Thursday, May 22: Beach Bandits

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By DeoGee

Saturday, May 17:

Marlin City Mad Men

Sundays: Beats By Styler

Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood

Tuesdays: Beats By Wax

Wednesdays: Beats By Madame Dutchess Thursdays: Beats By Connair

PURPLE MOOSE SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards

Friday & Saturday (3pm), May 16 & 17: Surreal

Sunday, May 18 (3pm): Doc Marten & The Flannels

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, May 16:

The Permilla Project, DJ E-State, DJ Mary Jane, DJ Bobby O & Black Hole Sons

Saturday, May 10: DJ Connair, DJ Davie, DJ C-Miller, Dear Zoe, My Hero Zero & The Event Horizon

Sunday, May 18: DJ Davie

Monday, May 19: DJ Wax

Tuesday, May 20: DJ C-Miller

Wednesday, May 21:

DJ E-State & The Way Outs

Thursday, May 22: Faith Noel & The Zoo

DOC MARTEN & THE FLANNELS

Purple Moose: Sunday, May 18

Harborside: Sunday, May 18

THE WOO HOO

Fager’s Island: Saturday, May 17

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

With Bunk Mann

English’s Chicken House was built on the corner of 15th Street and Philadelphia Avenue in 1963. For the next 51 years, it would serve some of the best fried chicken ever cooked on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The chicken was breaded with a secret recipe. When served with English’s fresh baked sweet potato biscuits, there were few that could resist such a treat. A carryout shop on the north end of the building sold their famous “Tub O’ Chicken” to go.

English’s Chicken House was often confused with the English Diner on 21st Street (known locally as “Little City Hall” due to the daily breakfasts attended by the current mayor and council members over many years). The two restaurants, however, had separate ownership and were not affiliated with each other.

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Three-day weekends

Student graduation speeches

Black mulch in a flower bed

Parents cheering on the sidelines

Assateague ponies stopping traffic

Watching surfers on big days

Surprising my teenagers

Early morning grocery store runs

Crushed ice

Exhaustion after a beach day

In 2014, English’s Chicken House closed and the building was later sold at auction. Today the location is occupied by Papi’s Tacos. To purchase one of Bunk Mann's books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com.

Photo courtesy Larry Dodd

EARTH DAY ACTIVITY

Worcester prep secondgrade students enjoyed their Earth Day activity last month. Pictured with teacher Julia Ternahan are Claire Leiner, Anna Harrison, Carleigh Jackson, James Howarth, Thomas Kozakiewicz, Elsie Booth, Sienna Fawcett, Selim Sen and Tenley Brittingham.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

by Steve Green

BThe Adventures of Fatherhood

eckett turned 17 years old on Monday. It doesn’t seem real.

This birthday seems to carry a different meaning than recent ones for several reasons.

One, we have been talking a lot about colleges and the mail each day features some incredible marketing pieces about this or that university.

Also, it’s impossible to not think these days about one year from now when high school graduation will be just a week away for our son. The thought of this current chapter closing is exciting, nauseating and overwhelming.

Finally, the changes I see in my son physically and mentally are impossible to ignore. Being able to drive has opened an entire new world for him, and the fact is he’s migrating toward independence in many ways. He’s becoming a young adult who is craving the next steps in his journey.

With all this talk around his goal of choosing his college by early fall so he can enjoy his senior year, I offered him a reminder to please not rush life. The other night I asked him to think about himself and this year’s senior class at his school. Next week the students will walk through the entire school, including the elementary school division, and be cheered on by students and teachers, many of whom taught them when they were young.

Beckett immediately interrupted me, saying, “I’m going to have to wear sunglasses because it’s going to be very emotional time for me.”

Reflecting back on being at the same school since pre-kindergarten, he started naming some of his first teachers. For those who have retired or moved on, he wondered if he could invite them back to thank them for “putting up with me when I was young and dumb.”

It told me he is fully aware of what’s happening in his life, and I am relieved. His life is moving fast. I just want him to stay grounded and current. These are special, unforgettable times in his life.

In the meantime, Pam and I are hold-

ing on tight. I have exchanged many hugs with him this week. A few for his birthday and a couple others just because. I’m starting to feel what’s happening in my heart and what’s just one year away. He will soon be out of our nest. It makes me sad and happy simultaneously.

Valerie Gordon’s recent submission to Grown&Flown’s website hits some of the marks I have been thinking of lately.

“Yesterday, he was in kindergarten… (OK, not yesterday. Twelve years ago…)

Twelve years have passed as a blip. Some days I feel I blinked and missed it. Some days I wonder how I got through it.

Through those twelve years, there were lots of triumphs (mostly his), lots of tears (mostly mine), and many, many sandwiches (mostly PB&J in elementary school and turkey with cheese in more recent years…)

Early on, I single-handedly packed his Spiderman lunch box with a sandwich with the crusts cut off and a pouch of fruit snacks. Now we operate as a team. I prepare the sandwich and he packs the rest of his lunch. If he forgets to bring it, he’s out of luck. This restaurant doesn’t deliver.

For those wondering…yes, he’s perfectly capable of making his own sandwich. I’ve taught him to do it. I’ve seen him do it. He even made me a sandwich. Once.

He’s capable of the many tasks he completes around the house from clearing his plate, loading and emptying the dishwasher, walking the dog, taking out the trash, doing some (but not enough) of his own laundry, and mowing the lawn.

Outside of the house, he pulls in $11 an hour greeting customers and folding t-shirts at a retail store, the proceeds of which he promptly spends on his biggest love, Chipotle. (Oh, to have him look at me with the love in his eyes that he did as a toddler, the way he now looks at a burrito…)

He’s confident in the kitchen. He knows how to chop and mix and flip fried eggs so they usually land in the pan and

not on the edge of the stove. He knows my wrath when he leaves those missed flip eggs to dry to a hardened mess. He makes a decent veggie omelet and the most amazing oatmeal chocolate chip cookies from scratch.

And, when I’m not around or don’t offer or he just wants to make one on his own—yes, he makes his own sandwich.

So, you see, it’s not that he can’t do it. Or that he won’t do it.

But there’s a universal truth about sandwiches and it is this: A sandwich tastes so much better when someone else makes it.

… I have made hundreds of lunches throughout his school years. And I’ve made them occasionally on weekends too. Those are even more special because I use good rustic bread and take out the panini press, melting the cheese just so before plating the now “pressed sandwich” for my perfectly capable son.

And he eats it with appreciation and declares, “Good sandwich, mom!” as he clears his plate and loads the dishwasher, and runs off to wherever he goes when he’s not with me, which, these days, is most of the time.

Which is more full, his stomach… or my heart?

Here’s the other reality: They say the days are long and the years are short. This is true.

Yesterday he was in kindergarten (well, not yesterday, but you know what I mean…) and soon he’ll be graduating and on his own, returning for only the occasional lunch.

So, judge if you want, but this year, I’ll be making a sandwich for my almost adult son as he heads off to his final year of high school.

It’s not a parenting error. It’s a privilege. Sandwiches don’t last forever. The clock eagerly eats up childhood. Until the time is done, I’ll be dining on every delicious moment.

(The writer is the executive editor of OC Today-Dispatch. He and his wife, Pamela, are proud parents of two boys. This weekly column examines their transition into parenthood and all that goes along with it. E-mail any thoughts to editor@octodaydispatch.com.)

Berlin exploring new well project

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(May 15, 2025) The Berlin Town Council approved a series of motions at a meeting earlier this week, including a bid for a test well initiative, a road paving project and a Polaris vehicle for the town’s police department.

On Monday, May 12, the Berlin Town Council unanimously agreed to allow HCE LLC, out of Delaware, handle a rehabilitation road paving initiative for Lee Road by Spray Site A for $61,274.86. Jamey Latchum, Berlin’s director of water resources, maintained that the road is currently in “bad shape” and requires a two-layer paving to ensure durability.

“Lee Road is at Spray Site A,” Latchum said. “It’s the main road going in and out of there. It’s in really bad shape … I think over 25 years, there’s never been anything done to it. I feel bad for the guys that work there, a couple of them have some nice cars, and the road is in bad shape.”

According to Latchum, only $50,000 was budgeted for the project. However, the septic hauler fund has reserves available to cover the remaining cost of the improvement work.

The Berlin Town Council also awarded Somerset Well Drilling an RFP (request for proposal) to install a test well on Berlin property, located off Route 346, as part of a water capacity management and water supply improvement project. The town will employ Somerset Well Drilling to handle the work for $19,985.

“Test wells will let you know water quality, and they can roughly figure out how many gallons we could actually get out of the ground at that location,” Latchum said. “...We will look at nitrates, everything that possibly could be in the water, so we’re in the right spot to drill a well for the town, so we don’t have to put a whole bunch of treatment in.”

The water resources director added that a test well is a required step to ensure the smooth installation of a new well.

“I feel if we do not do a test well, we are not doing our due diligence for the mayor and council and the residents of the Town of Berlin,” he said. “We are trying to do the proper steps before we drill a new well.”

The council unanimously approved the bid award to Somerset Well Drilling.

Also on Monday, the municipality’s governing body approved the purchase of a new utility vehicle, a RANGER CREW XP 1000 NorthStar Edition Premium, for $32,332.19, plus $2,100 for lights, totaling $34,438.

The town unanimously passed the purchase of the vehicle, which has four doors and can travel at all speeds within the town limits. The goal is for the utility to make it easier for emergency officials to get to and weave around downtown Berlin during events.

Funds accumulated from the town’s speed camera initiative will fund the vehicle.

‘Epic conditions’ for ESA event

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(May 16, 2025) In a most recent column, the topic was a hopeful resurgence of quality surf in Ocean City.

Ironically the Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) held its Northeast Regional Surfing Championships on the second weekend of May in Ocean City. Some evidence of surf able waves were obviously found.

Granted, the participants were competitors and arguably more used to surfing less than stellar conditions but from speaking to officials Joe Gratolla and Lisa Roselli there was indeed at least a bit of quality surf to be had, even receiving a comment of “epic conditions on Friday,” from Executive Director Michelle Sommers.

The ESA is a “coast-wide” group dedicated to surfing. Its function is that of an advocate and is basically a conservation organization though its most visible aspect is competition. Started in 1967, to my knowledge it’s the largest amateur surfing organization in the world and

stretches from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast.

Each area has a district and the regions consist of three areas. The Northeast Region extends from Maryland north. The Mid-Atlantic Region covers the area from Virginia to South Carolina. The Southeast Region goes from Georgia to the Gulf Coast.

The highest finishers in district contests are invited to regional contests. The highest finishers in the regional contests are invited to the Eastern Surfing Championships held each September at Jennette’s Pier, Nags Head, N.C. All age groups are available, young to older as well as male and female.

Competition isn’t for everyone and in fact is a small percentage of the surfing population but is a great way to get together with other surfers. A large function of the advocacy of the ESA is keeping beaches open for surfing though, as was stated, is not as visible. Governments and municipalities are seemingly more favorable to organized groups. For more information, go to surfesa.org.

- Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street

■ BUXY’S SALTY DOG SALOON

DRY DOCK 28

28th Street, Ocean City, 410-289-0973, buxys.com, drydockoc.com

Destiny has a new home in Ocean City. From the ‘burgh to the beach, Buxy’s is your home away from Pittsburgh. Come see what all the locals already know and have known – Buxy’s is the place to come to meet friends, relax and be social with no attitudes. House specialties include “The” Cheesesteak Sub, Primanti-styled sandwiches, pierogis, egg-rolls and homemade crab dip. Dry

Dock also features a full menu with soups, salads, kick starters, pierogis and craft pizza.

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE

15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City 410-2897192, captainstableoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

A local tradition for over 60 years featuring hand cut steaks, premium lobster and perfectly prepared regional seafood. Breakfast daily 7:30-11 a.m. Open daily for dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m. Happy Hour, seven days a week, 4-6 p.m.

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT

28th Street Plaza and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100, www.coinspuboc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

American style local restaurant serving seafood, steaks and chefs specials. Check out the off season weekday specials. Early bird; daily, 25:30 p.m. Sunday’s early bird specials, all day and all night. Happy Hour; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. with food and drink specials. Open Monday through Friday, 2 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. Dine-in, carry out.

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR

17th Street in the Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, coralreefrestaurant.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine and local favorites that are sure to please your entire party! Choose from a selection of house specialty entrees such as sharables, handhelds and seafood. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring specialty rums. Open daily, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

■ CRAWL STREET

19 Wicomico St., Ocean City, 443-373-2756, crawlstreet.com

Established in 2020 just a short walk from the legendary Cork Bar. Don’t leave without trying the famous wings, but everything on the menu is solid, including flatbreads, tacos, salads, sandwiches and seafood platters. Be sure to check out the live music offerings as the nightlife is top of the line.

■ DISTRICT 24 CRAFT BAR, JAY’S CAFÉ & BLU CRABHOUSE & RAW BAR

2305 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City 410-2893322, district24oc.com

There is more at District 24. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, pastries and coffee at Jay’s Cafe. CRAFT Pizza, Beer & Cocktails at CRAFT Lounge. Fresh Seafood at BLU Crabhouse & Raw Bar. Enjoy an elevated dining experience with great chophouse dishes and charcuterie boards, along with a Wine Spectator Award Wining Wine Menu at Embers Rooftop Restaurant. There is something for everyone at District 24 like live music in the courtyard, mini golf, arcade play and axe throwing.

■ FISH TALES

2107 Herring Way, Ocean City, 410-289-0990, ocfishtales.com

Bayfront marina dining offered here with a huge menu to satisfy guests of all ages. Enjoy a drink from a hanging chair or fish tacos at your table while the kids play in a playground build in the sand. Food and drink menus offer enough of a variety to meet all needs.

■ HARBOR WATCH

806 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City 410-2895121, www.harborwatchrestaurant.com

$$-$$$ | Reservations | Kids’ Menu | Full bar

Celebrating our 41st anniversary with fresh seafood, an award-winning raw bar, mouthwatering steaks and the best view of the Ocean City Inlet and Assateague Island. Open Thursday through Monday. Call for banquet and large-party details.

■ PICKLES PUB

706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410-2894891, picklesoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Easy to find with plenty of free parking, serving lunch, dinner and entire diverse menu until 1 a.m. Also nightly entertainment year-round and a great place to watch all the sports on an ocean of televisions including a giant high-def screen. Also four pool tables on site. Lunch and dinner and entire menu until 1 a.m. Open all year from 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m., seven days a week.

■ PIT & PUB

2706 Philadelphia Ave. and 12701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, pitandpub.com

Ocean City’s home of Pulled Pork and the finest barbecue, the legendary 28th Street Pit & Pub and the Northside Pit & Pub are known for serving up delicious smokehouse specialties. Grab a brew and enjoy the live sports action on one of the big screen TVs. Happy hour daily. Familyfriendly atmospheres at both locations. Weekend entertainment.

■ THE WEDGE BAR

806 S. Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, www.thewedgeoc.com

$-$$ | Full bar

Panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, bay and Assateague Island. Enjoy small plates, sandwiches and grilled burgers. Open Thursday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets

■ 32 PALM

32nd Street in The Hilton, Ocean City 410-2892525, 32palm.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Elevated cuisine, locally sourced ingredients and allocated spirits are prominently featured in our lounge and dining room. Open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Routinely updated menus with the highest quality local ingredients for fresh seafood any time of the year!

■ THE BONFIRE

71st Street, Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410-5247171, thebonfirerestaurant.com

Celebrating more than 50 years as the best seafood and prime rib buffet in Ocean City. It’s all here – the service, the atmosphere and finest, freshest seafood available and quality meats. Save room for the decadent desserts available as well including homemade donuts.

■ COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL

3701 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 410-289-6846, castleinthesand.com

A tropical open-air patio steps from the beach. A unique place for lunch or dinner with a menu featuring all the customary items and a few Ocean City-based surprises. Guests can also enjoy beach service for lunch and cocktails. Be sure to check out the daily entertainment schedule.

■ FAGERS ISLAND

201 60th St., Ocean City, 410-524-5500, fagers.com

$$ | Full bar

Dine on the island with an award-winning bayfront restaurant featuring American & Regional dining with a global influence and popular destination featuring impeccably prepared American and Pacific Rim cuisine. Also enjoy our outdoor decks and bar with live entertainment and 32 wines by the glass. A place where the joy of food & the presence of the table are of utmost importance. Dine on fresh seafood and our famous Prime Rib. Enjoy beautiful sunsets over the water. Open 11 a.m. daily. Fine dine at 4:30 p.m.

■ HOOKED

8003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-7234665, hookedoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

A Common Ground Hospitality concept, a passion driven restaurant group servicing the coastal community. The goal is honor creativity and innovation by design. With passion at the heart of everything, unique dining concepts are paired with honest hospitality and well-made food sourced with fresh local ingredients and seasonal harvests. Craft and full bar available. Open daily 11:30 a.m.

■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ

6701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 443-6645693, longboardcafe.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar

Casual Dining … Refined. Open for lunch and dinner. A wide range of gourmet burgers, innovative tacos, salads and sandwiches to full dinner entrees featuring fresh local fish prepared in a

variety of styles, beef, shellfish and pasta. All our sauces, salsas, dressings, etc. are meticulously house made. We use fresh local sources wherever possible and premium ingredients such as our chuck, brisket and short rib custom blended burgers. Closed Tuesday. Call for reservations.

■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT

3301 Atlantic Ave., in the Double Tree Hotel, Ocean City 410-289-1201, marlinmoonocmd.com

$$ | Full bar

Winner of the Maryland People's choice award, Marlin Moon continues to offer its famous, locally loved dishes and famous happy hour. Enjoy creatively crafted cocktails, fresh selections from the raw bar and luscious desserts. Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m., featuring drink specials. Breakfast, 7:30-11:30 a.m.; Lite Fare, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dinner, 4-10 p.m.; and Bar open noon to 11 p.m.

■ SEACRETS

49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Open Sunday through Friday at 11 a.m., 10 a.m. on Saturdays, close at 2 a.m. Enjoy a tropical atmosphere and dine under the palms in our outdoor, kid friendly dining area or try a Seacrets Beachin' Cocktails in the Bay with live music every day open to close. The club is open every night in the summer. Try our famous jerk chicken with homemade honey mustard sauce, Pushcart Trio, a true Jamaican dish or a hearty wrap, sandwich or delicious burger. We have it all at Seacrets.

■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY

13117 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-2502000, albertinosoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Featuring the best brick oven pizza, always handmade with fresh ingredients, Italian-American mouth-watering seafood specialties, traditional Italian pasta dishes, apps, soups and salads. Full bar with large local craft beer selection.

■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS

118th Street, Ocean City 800-641-0011, www.carouselhotel.com

The Carousel Oceanfront Resort offers a family friendly casual dining experience with their Reef 118 restaurant. Offering dinner Thursday through Saturday from 5-9 p.m., featuring AYCE Crab legs. Serving breakfast on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. Their new "Go for 2" happy hour features $10 appetizers as a buy one get one free. $1 oysters during all open hours.

■ THE CRAB BAG

13005 Coastal Highway Ocean City, 410-2503337, thecrabbag.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Featuring consistent hot steamed crabs, eat in or carryout. The Crab Bag is also an Eastern Shore style seafood house specializing in preparing and serving the biggest and the best blue crabs available. The extensive menu promises something for everyone. Winter hours, Friday-Sunday, open 11 a.m.

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA

120th Street, oceanside, Ocean City, 410-2504900, crabcakefactoryusa.com

Full-service family restaurant, carry-out and sports bar. Outside seating available. Menu selections include prime rib, chicken Chesapeake, steamed shrimp, beer battered fish, real Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, and a kids menu. Casual attire, full liquor bar, no reservations. Open Year Round. World-Famous Crabcakes are served all day starting at 8 a.m. and can be packed on ice for you while you are eating breakfast.

■ JOLLY JELLYFISH BEACH CLUB

9800 Coastal Highway, Ocean City 443-6646147, jollyjellyfishbeachclub.com

Oceanfront bar with casual island style outdoor dining with awesome ocean views focused on cool beach vibes. Open for lunch and dinner and suitable for the entire family. Diverse menu available for every type of diner and featuring a cocktail menu with six housemade kegged cocktails. Every Sunday all summer features a “big deck energy party.” Entertainment daily, 4-7 p.m. Located in the Plaza Condominium with plenty of free parking.

■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT

13801 Coastal Highway, located in the Fenwick Inn, Ocean City, 410-390-7905, vistarooftopoc.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar

Enjoy a wonderful meal overlooking the ocean and bay. Some of the most unique views in Ocean City. Steaks, seafood, burgers, soups, salads and lite fare. Happy hour, 3-6 p.m. New this year is a boozy brunch Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Live music.

FENWICK ISLAND

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

Route 54, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-988-5000, CCFBayside.com

Same award-winning crab cakes and bloody marys. Enjoy waterfront dining. Full-service family restaurant, carry-out & sports bar. Outside seating available. Open daily year-round. Menu selections include crab cakes, prime rib, Philly-style cheese steaks, various seafood, kids menu plus full breakfast menu.

■ DIRTY HARRY’S

100 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE, 302539-3020, Beach-net.com/dirtyharrys

$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar

Don’t let the name fool you, the food is home cooking at its finest. Owned and operated by Ginny Swann and family for 19 years. Popular for the breakfast but getting rave reviews for lunch and dinner, too.

■ NANTUCKETS

Route 1, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-2607, nantucketsrestaurant.com

Serving the beach great food and spirits for over 30 years. David and Janet Twining will wow you with the finest foods and drinks in the area. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what one of the coast’s finest dining establishments has in store for guests. Everything here is a house specialty.

■ TWINING’S LOBSTER SHANTY

Rte. 54, Fenwick Island, Del., 302-436-2305, twiningshanty.com

Reservations | Kids’ Menu

“A funky little place at the edge of town.” Classic New England fare, lobsters, steaks and burgers. Bird watching and magical sunsets await. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are suggested.

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ BREAKFAST CAFE

12736 Ocean Gateway, Route 50 east, West Ocean City, 410-213-1804, breakfastcafeofoc.com

All the traditional breakfast options available here in a casual, diner setting. Open daily closing at 2 p.m.

■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL

12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410-390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com

$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

Ocean City’s newest Mexican restaurant and bar. Offering delicious and generous portions of the tastiest traditional and not so traditional #MexicanEats you have ever tried. Open daily at 11 a.m. Serving food until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Bar open til 11 p.m.

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

West Ocean City: Route 50 east; Boardwalk locations: 501 S. Philadelphia Ave., 49th Street, 123rd Street, Ocean City, dumsersdairyland.com

This classic ice cream shop is a tradition for many families. Voted O.C.’s “Best Ice Cream” for the past 20 years, Dumser’s is celebrating decades of serving the shore, and the ‘40s-style décor takes you back in time. With locations throughout Ocean City, treating your tastebuds to this signature homemade ice cream is easy. The 49th and 124th streets locations offer vast lunch and dinner menus (breakfast too at 124th) in addition to a wide variety of ice cream treats.

■ GREENE TURTLE WEST

Route 611, West Ocean City, 410-213-1500 Proudly serving West Ocean City since January 1999, The Greene Turtle features a beautiful 80seat dining room, large bar area with 54 TVs with stereo sound and game room with pool tables. With an exciting menu, The Greene Turtle is sure to please with delicious sizzling steaks, jumbo lump crab cakes, raw bar, homemade salads and more. Live entertainment, Keno, Turtle apparel, kids menu, carry-out.

■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL

12841 Harbor Rd., West Ocean City, 410-2131846, weocharborside.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Home of the original Orange Crush drink with an extensive menu offers a wide variety of appetizers, fresh seafood, steak & pasta entrees, as well as juicy burgers and sandwiches. Whether seeking a full dining experience or just a crush or two, the team will be sure to take excellent care of you and yours.

Monday-Wednesday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

■ OC DINER 12744 Ocean Gateway, Rt 50 east, West Ocean City, 410-390-5112

Best homemade breakfast and lunch. Local’s favorite breakfast served all day. Kids’ menu. Dinein and carry-out. Open 7 days a week, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

UPTOWN 91st to 146th streets

Cancer research awareness marked in park

By Adrian Harpool Contributing Writer

(May 16, 2025) Sunshine and solidarity filled Dr. William Edward Henry Park on Saturday, May 10, as over 150 residents, cancer survivors, families and community partners gathered for the inaugural Cancer Research Awareness Day, hosted by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Maryland, Eastern Region, and Lincoln Lodge #53.

With the theme “Small Steps, Big Impact,” the event offered a moving and memorable experience rooted in community support, education, and fun. The day opened with a heartfelt community prayer, led by local clergy and attendees, setting the tone for a program that honored resilience and encouraged collective action in the fight against cancer.

One of the most emotional moments came during the Testimonials, Remembrance & Reflection segment where cancer survivors and medical professionals shared powerful stories of hope, healing, and perseverance. Their words moved many in the audience to tears and ultimately to action.

“The testimonies were incredible,” said Victor Smack, Worshipful Master of Lincoln Lodge #53 and co-organizer of the event. “It reminded all of us why we came together — not just to raise awareness, but to build a network of support for families who have faced this fight.”

Attendees enjoyed an energetic performance by the Gospel Steppers: Heart and Sole, followed by a lively line dance tutorial that got people of all ages up and moving. Children activities included snacks, games, music, and warm community energy while adults visited information tables hosted by the American Cancer Society and Atlantic General

Hospital. Volunteers collected resource “passports” connecting participants to local support services.

As the afternoon progressed, the park buzzed with excitement during the much-anticipated Cornhole Tournament, which drew over 40 participants in friendly competition. Laughter, applause, and high-fives echoed across the lawn as teams tossed beanbags and cheered one another on.

“This was more than an event — it was a celebration of life and a commitment to progress,” said Willie Miller, co-organizer of the event. “We saw families bonding, survivors smiling, and new partnerships forming. It’s the kind of community spirit that creates real change.”

The event concluded with closing remarks from Berlin Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols expressing

gratitude for all those who made the day possible, including a special thanks to Lincoln Lodge #53, participating community organizations, the dozens of volunteers, and event’s sponsors Pepsi, Road Wolves MC, and Somerset Technical School.

Organizers say the success of the day has sparked enthusiasm for future events focused on cancer prevention, health equity, and youth education. Plans are already in motion to expand next year’s awareness day to include screenings, health workshops, and even more family-centered activities.

“This is just the beginning,” Smack said. “The turnout, the impact — it tells us that our community is ready and willing to stand together. And we will.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Pictured, from left, are Willie Miller, Eastern Region Deputy Grand Master; Michael Haynie, Sr., Junior Grand Warden PHGLMD; Berlin Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols; and Zsavelle Smack, Most Worshipful Master Lodge #53 Eastern Region.

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

ARCHITECT VISITS ALMA MATER

On Wednesday, April 23, a group of Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) students attended a WORX (Work, Observe, Research, Experience) seminar featuring architect Daniele Haley, center, owner/operator of Haley Architecture, LLC. During the WORX seminar, she shared her educational journey with the WPS students and her experiences throughout her career path so far. She attended Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree of Art in Architecture. Following that, she went on to receive her Master of Architecture degree from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. With Haley, from left, are Ruhi Chapla, Ellie Phillips, Carolina Labin, Nate Friedman, Rani Yonker, Chloe Holland, Genia Fedarkevich, Nora Gorfinkel, Sam Kuon, Harper Hertrich, Lyla Roberts,

Wes Wisniewski, Beau Brittingham, Brock Phillips, Alex Gjoni, Chase Thompson, John Lynch, Sydney Parker, Director of Student Life Mrs. Megan Wallace, Keerat Pandher and Upper School Social Science teacher Paul Cyryca.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

WCDC DONATION

Stephanie James, executive director of Worcester County Developmental Center, visited American Legion Post 166 at its last membership meeting and walked out wit a $2,000 donation from the veterans to help support programs at the center. The Worcester County Developmental Center based in Newark and helps adults with developmental and physical disabilities to be productive, responsible, and participating members of society. Picture with James are Ben Dawson, left, and J.R. Best.

ARBORETUM DEDICATED

Salisbury University alumna Glenda Chatham Clarke cuts the ribbon to dedicate the Glenda Chatham Clarke Arboretum on campus. Pictured, from left: Bob Clarke, Glenda Chatham Clarke, SU horticulturist Will Lowery, SU President Carolyn Ringer Lepre, and SU horticulture

director Frank Bowen. Guests on hand included representatives from the Worcester

Club, of which Clarke served as president for two years.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

and grounds

County Garden

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

CLUB PRESENTATION

Josh Mueller, owner of Coastal Wilds in Frankford, DE. spoke to the Ocean City Lioness Lions Club at a recent meeting.  He told about the  up close and personal experience and hands on educational encounters with unique animals like camels, sloths, kangaroos,  otters and so many more.  Pictured with him are Vice President Liz Scott, left, and President Bev Topfer.

EARTHY DAY CRAFTS

HEAD OF SCHOOL DONATION

Worcester Prep fifth grader Peter Van Dalen stepped into the role of Head of School for the Day on Friday. Peter earned this special opportunity as part of a live auction item at the WPS Gala this past March. He hosted a golf-themed casual dress day for students, faculty, and administrators, inviting participants to dress in golf attire with a $2 donation. Thanks to enthusiastic participation from across the school, $600 was raised and will be donated to the Ocean Pines Junior Golf League—an organization that promotes youth involvement in golf through skill development and league play. Above, he presented Head of School Dr. John McDonald with a check to be donated to the Ocean Pines Junior Golf League.

On Thursday, April 17, Worcester Prep’s Lower School celebrated Earth Day, while also showcasing their creativity through amazing projects: from mini-Earth nightlights to dried flower bookmarks and recycled can robots. They learned the importance of repurposing and reusing to reduce their impact on our planet. Above left, first graders Arden Pyne, Emilia Rohloff and Monica Anthony were excited to paint and build mini-Earth nightlights. Above right, Lower School Spanish teacher Amanda Netting guides students Selim Sen and Tenley Brittingham in their Earth Day activity.

DIAKONIA DONATION

Tim Price, an employee of Royal Plus Disaster Services, recently demonstrated the power of individual generosity by directing a $5,000 donation — awarded at a recent Disaster Recovery Coalition of America event — to Diakonia, a nonprofit that has been a cornerstone of support in Maryland’s Lower Shore for more than 50 years. His choice to uplift Diakonia reflects a deep commitment to strengthening his community and supporting those in crisis. Royal Plus Disaster Services plays a crucial role in disaster recovery, offering immediate response and expert restoration for families and businesses affected by fires, water damage, and storms.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Ocean Pines delaying soft shoreline project

Funding uncertainty leads officials to reconsider start of construction till 2026

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(May 16, 2025) The soft shoreline project at the Ocean Pines South Gate Pond has been postponed until next year as the status of federal grant funding remains uncertain.

At an Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors meeting on April 26, Linda Martin, senior director of administration, updated the community on a planned soft shoreline project to combat erosion, promote beautification, and preserve wildlife at the South Gate Pond. According to the official, the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, the environmental group collaborating with OPA on the endeavor, paused the initiative for now, hoping it will resume next year. Martin cited uncertainty surrounding federal grant funding as the reason for the delay.

While the project is up in the air, Martin provided some updates on

where the work currently stands. MCBP provided $150,000 in grants for the initiative’s planning and design, and final concept drawings were received on Nov. 4. OPA also received a final cost estimate of about $500,000. That includes $200,000 to $250,000 for the submerged gravel wetland, $100,000 for the fishing area, and $100,000 to $150,000 for landscaping. Martin added that the landscaping will also incorporate turtle-specific protection.

“The landscaping will include a turtle sanctuary or layout,” she said.

Community officials and its Environment and Natural Assets Committee have been working on the soft shoreline project for years. In February 2024, then ENAC chair Tim Peck said the endeavor was proposed and confirmed in January 2024, and discussions of a similar plan came before the board of directors nearly two years before that.

Last year, MCBP was to grow native vegetation around the pond, including grass and flowers, to combat erosion. The entire project is to cover

4,600 feet of shoreline. The first phase focuses on the area that faces Racetrack Road, where soil loss is most troublesome.

The venture also aims to improve stormwater management and deter Canada geese from congregating near the pond. Peck noted last year that the birds typically avoid high-vegetation areas.

“We saw this as doing some plantings to help stem erosion along certain parts of the South Gate Pond,” OPA General Manager John Viola said of the project in 2024. “...This

CROSSWORD

will also create a nice backdrop for the Veterans Memorial events.”

Once back underway, the soft shoreline plan intends to address the pond’s multiple uses, including the park’s enjoyment. Furthermore, access points will be made available so as not to disrupt the fishing crowd.

Viola assured in early 2024 that the board and the Ocean Pines community have received the project well.

“Who doesn’t want a cleaner, more attractive South Gate Pond?” he said at the time.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, you soon find yourself pushing forward with great determination. Your drive is unstoppable, but tread carefully and respectfully in the pursuit of greatness.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Introspection is paramount right now, Taurus. You may find yourself reflecting on your values, goals and personal growth. This week there are chances to change.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, right now is a good time to collaborate with others, whether at work or in personal projects. Use any time this week to your advantage to attend social events.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Put your long-term goals in focus this week, Cancer. Start thinking about where you would like your career to go. You’ll certainly feel driven to make progress.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Adventure is the name of the game for you right now, Leo. Whether it is travel, higher learning or other new experiences, you just may soon break free of your routine.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

This is a week when practicality and organization will be your friends, Virgo. You will likely feel a need to get things in order. If you have any outstanding debts, tackle them now.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, the spotlight is on you for the time being. You are feeling more confident and ready to take charge of your destiny. Personal growth may come by way of a job promotion.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, you may be drawn to more quiet, intimate moments with your partner this week. This is a great time for reflection and connection for the both of you.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, expect to meet new people or form bonds with others who share similar interests and goals this week. Community-based projects may draw your attention.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

This week the focus will be on your career, Capricorn. You’ll feel more motivated than ever to achieve your goals, but it will take a lot of hard work to get there.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, you might feel more connected to your spiritual side right now and want to seek knowledge or inspiration in areas like philosophy. Take every opportunity to learn and grow.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, now is a good time to focus on your financial situation and make some changes for your security and personal growth. Your intuition will guide you.

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

She is pictured second from left in the top photo. Above, from left, are Warden Tim Mulligan, Assistant Warden Shytina Drummond, PFC Karen Jones and Sgt. Nathan Bratten.

Fried crab, cream cheese wontons

By Deborah Lee Walker

Contributing Writer

(May 16, 2025) The exploration of scientific principles, acknowledgement of personal preferences, and ingenuity are the underlying philosophies of cooking.

Details and their finer counterparts are crucial for the success of a dish. This process must be carefully thought out, no matter the degrees of straightforwardness. With that thought in mind, let us delve into the mastery of fried eggrolls.

The perfect eggroll consists of three main components: a crispy exterior, a fresh filling, and a delectable dipping sauce. If one of these elements is not spot

on, dissatisfaction comes to the forefront. The filling of the egg roll is up to the individual chef. Cabbage, Napa cabbage, or Bok choy are the standard fillers.

Scallions, carrots, water chestnuts, Chinese celery, and bean sprouts for a quick filling.

You want to stay away from vegetables that are difficult to shred such as broccoli, cauliflower, string beans, etc.

Folding an egg roll is easy, just make sure it is completely closed. Otherwise, oil will seep into the egg roll and make it a soggy mess.

Place one wonton on the counter with the tip facing you. Place approximately three tablespoons of the filling towards the bottom. Take the tip that is facing you and roll upwards, and at the same time condense the filling so it is tight.

Tuck the right and left end in, and continue rolling the wrapper until you have an egg roll shape. When frying, make sure you place the egg roll into the hot oil with the seam side down first. This seals the roll.

When it comes to frying egg rolls, make sure the oil is hot. A wok, dep fryer, or cast-iron skillet are the cooking vessel of choice. Do not overcrowd the pan, or the temperature of your oil will drop causing the rolls to become soggy.

Once they are cooked, place them on a cooling rack. Do not place them on a plate lined with paper towels. Crisp egg rolls resting on soggy paper towels will ruin your efforts for a crunchy exterior.

Homemade egg rolls are fun and are sure to be a hit. If company is coming and time is of the essence, consider fried crab and cream cheese wontons with a

sweet and spicy dipping sauce.

Crab meat, cream cheese, green onions, and garlic are the essence of the dish. Jumbo lump or crab claw meat can be used.

The sweet and spicy sauce can also made on the fly.

Fried crab and cream cheese wontons can be served on a platter or individual portions. Mini white Chinese boxes to go or mini deep fryer baskets are festive and can be ordered online is one is considering individual portions. Enjoy!

Fried Crab and Cream Cheese Wontons with a Sweet, Spicy Sauce

Sweet and Spicy Sauce

1 cup sweet Chili sauce

1 ½ cups duck sauce

2/3 teaspoon ground ginger

1/8 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 ½ tablespoons fish sauce

Garnish – several pinches of finely chopped scallions, chopped cilantro, crab meat, and/or black and white sesame seeds

1. In a medium bowl, combine ingredients except for garnishes and mix well. Set aside.

Crab and Cream Cheese Wontons

8 ounces lump crab meat, cartiledge and shells removed

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

1 green onion, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons sesame oil

2/3 teaspoon garlic powder

kosher salt to taste

24 wonton wrappers (2-inch) canola oil for frying

1. In a medium bowl, using a handheld blender, combine cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and salt. Add onions to the cream cheese mixture and mix. Fold in the crab meat and carefully mix.

2. In a large cast iron skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.

3. To assemble the wontons, place a shallow bowl of water on your work surface. Take one wonton wrapper, dip the tip of your finger in the bowl and wet two edges of the wonton wrapper. Place 1 ½ teaspoons of the crab filling in the middle of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper over into a triangle and seal the edges securely. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.

4. Carefully lower wontons into the hot oil, working in batches, and fry 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown. Place on a cooling rack briefly. Garnish and serve immediately with dipping sauce.

Secret Ingredient – Adjustment

I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination. – Jimmy Dean

Calendar

Submit calendar items to: editor@octodaydispatch.com. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, the week of publication. Local submissions have priority. Area event listings are subject to space availability.

Fri., May 16

OC MAHJONG CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Join in for a morning of playing tile Mahjong. Feel free to bring your own tile set. All adults are welcome. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

HOMESCHOOL HISTORY FAIR

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 11 a.m. Open to all homeschoolers of all ages. Choose an event, person or time period to make a creative project for the library’s History Fair. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

SURVIVAL SPANISH: SER VS. ESTAR

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Join in as the group learns how to say some basic phrases in Spanish. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB: ‘THE BANDIT QUEENS’ BY PARINI SHROFF

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Copies of the book are available at the library’s circulation desk. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FANDOM FRIDAY: SUPERHEROES

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 3:30 p.m. Join in for crafts, quizzes and discussions about the monthly topic. For ages 12-18 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FRIED FLOUNDER DINNER

Bowen Fellowship Church, 8426 Newark Road, Newark, 4:30 p.m. Fried flounder, green beans, Mac & cheese, cornbread, dessert and beverage. Cost is $10. Carryouts available. 410-632-4939

KIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO

Fridays - Knights of Columbus, 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke’s Church. Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Light snacks available before bingo and at intermission. 410524-7994

Sat., May 17

BOARDWALK ROCK

Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 12:30 p.m. Doors open at 12 p.m. Featuring an un-

forgettable weekend of great music and delicious food. Headliners include Def Leppard, Nickelback, Shinedown and more. Tickets: https://www.boardwalkrockfest.com.

BARN YARD SALE FUNDRAISER

10245 Harrison Road, Berlin, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. A wide assortment of gently used goods available. Sponsored by the Stephen Decatur Alum to support a commemorative past teachers and a memorial tribute for past members of the class.

WALK WITH A DOC

Southgate Pond, Race Track Road, Ocean Pines, 9-10 a.m. An AGH representative will speak on a topic of their expertise, and then will lead the group for a walk around the park’s trail. First 10 participants receive a $10 Walmart gift card. 410-641-9268

FRIED CHICKEN/BAKED CHICKEN N’ DUMPLINGS PLATTERS TO GO

Calvary United Methodist Church, 8607 Ironshire Station Road, Berlin, 10:30 a.m. Platters include dumplings, choice of two sides (potato salad, greens, string beans) and a roll. Cost is $13. Also: cornbread, drinks, bread pudding, cakes, etc. Serving until sold out. Come early.

BBQ CHICKEN

St. Paul United Methodist Church, 405 Flower St., Berlin, 11 a.m. 1/2 BBQ chicken, roll and a drink for $12. Proceeds benefit St. Paul United Methodist Church Men’s Ministry.

OCEAN PINES SEASON KICKOFF

Veterans Memorial Park, Race Track Road, Ocean Pines, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Demonstrations, interactive exhibits, music, raffles, giveaways, and local food and beer trucks. Learn what Ocean Pines has to offer. Free and open to the public.

OceanPinesKickoffExpo@gmail.com, 410-641-7052

GET YOUR WIGGLE ON!

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 11 a.m. Let’s sing and get moving to music. For children ages 0-5 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

ORIGINALS ONLY: NO COVERS, JUST CREATORS

Art League of Ocean City - Center for the Arts, 502 94th St., 6-8 p.m. This event brings together poets, comedians, musicians, and performers to showcase their

unique voices and stories. One-of-a-kind performances, celebrating originality. https://artleagueofoceancity.org

HI-HO CHERRY-O

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 1 p.m. Play a lifesized version of this classic game. Fun for the whole family. Registration required: 410-957-0878. www.worcesterlibrary.org

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 9 a.m. to noon. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Open to the public.

Sun., May 18

BOARDWALK ROCK

Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 12:15 p.m. Doors open at 12 p.m. Featuring an unforgettable weekend of great music and delicious food. Headliners include Def Leppard, Nickelback, Shinedown and more. Tickets: https://www.boardwalkrockfest.com.

BAY DAY AT OCEAN PINES

White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Boat rides, hands-on activities, live animals, live music, native plant giveaway, environmental exhibitors, food and drinks. MDCoastalBays.org, OceanPines.org, 410-641-7052

INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM DAY

Museum of Ocean City, 217 S. Baltimore Ave., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy free admission to the newest museum in Ocean City. ocmuseum.org, 410-289-4991 (Note: Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum will be closed due to Boardwalk Rock.)

FREE BIKE SAFETY RODEO

Swim & Racquet Club Pool, 10 Seabreeze Road, Berlin, 3-5 p.m. Activity stations, bike safety and education materials and bike/helmet inspections. Bring your bicycle & helmet and wear covered toe shoes. For kids ages 4 years and older. Pre-register: 410-641-7052.

BERLIN FLEA MARKET

Sundays - Uptown Emporium Parking Lot, 13 S. Main St., Berlin, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vendor opportunities available. Julie, 410-726-9012; Bill, 410-629-9656

SEWING FOR A CAUSE

Sundays - Buckingham Presbyterian Church, 20 S. Main St., Berlin, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn how to sew while making a difference. 410-641-0234

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

Sundays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 10 a.m. www.jw.org

Mon., May 19

STORY TIME: GERMS, GERMS, GO AWAY

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Crafts, songs and stories. For children ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2:30 p.m. The group is reading from Book 6 of the Great Conversations Anthology. The focus will be on poetry. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BIKERS WITHOUT BORDERS FOUNDATION DINE & DONATE

Taphouse W. Bar and Grille, 12513 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, 5-9 p.m. Happy hour until 6 p.m. and it’s burger night. Show flyer to your server. Flyers available from members or at the door. bikerswithoutbordersfoundation@gmail .com

T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169

Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-6:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410641-0157

BRIDGE

Mondays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st Street, Ocean City, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot: Tish, 410-8043971. www.Worcoa.org/oceancity

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol, 302-2427062.

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

Mondays - Worcester County LibraryOcean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 7-8 p.m. No dues or fees. 410-459-9100

Tues., May 20

LIFE LINE SCREENING EVENT

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway. Screenings are simple and painless. Cost is $159. Appointments are required: 888-814-0466 (promo code HSCA001); LLSA.SOCIAL/HSCA; or text “circle” to 216-2791607. For anyone over the age of 40 years.

BASIC FIRST AID INFORMATIONAL PROGRAM

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10-11:30 a.m. Topics include falls, seizures, de-

Continued on Page 58

CALENDAR

fibulator, wounds, shock, dehydration, choking, strokes and more. This class is not for certification. Registration required: 410-208-4014 or at the front desk. Free.

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. The workshop starts with a 20-minute lesson on genealogy research. Bring a laptop, tablet or papers containing family information. Registration requested: 410208-4014. www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME AT CYPRESS PARK

Cypress Park, 7 Bridge St., Pocomoke City, 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and outside play. For ages 0-5 years. 410-9570878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m.

Geared for ages 0-5 years featuring seasonal themes designed to support early literacy skills with stories, songs and fingerplays. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Songs, rhymes and stories. Stay after to socialize with other families. For ages 0-2 years. 410-632-3495,

www.worcesterlibrary.org

OC KNITTING GROUP

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Do you love to knit or crochet? Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MERMAID LORE: THEN AND NOW

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Professional mermaid Tasha Haight weaves a tale about the mythology surrounding mermaids and sirens. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

CHAIR YOGA

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Certified yoga instructor, Nicole Long, teaches this class that stretches and strengthens in a gentle manner. 410641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

Tuesdays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 7 p.m. www.jw.org

SURGICAL CLASSES

Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-6 p.m. Learn what to expect, get information about your upcoming surgery and directions about post-operative

care. Atlantic General Hospital’s Pre-Admission Testing Department, 410-6419814

BEACH HEROES-OC

Tuesdays - Volunteer beach clean-up group meets from 9-10 a.m., year-round. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page “Beach Heroes-OC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410289-4725

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

Tuesdays - Experienced dancers and others interested in watching or learning more are welcome, 7-9:30 p.m. No partner required. Info: TangobytheBeach.com.

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

Tuesdays - Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5:30 p.m. Zumba with optional light weights. zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP

Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m.

Use the weight loss program/app/plan of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410-641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.

Wed., May 21

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP

Meets the third and fourth Wednesday of each month. For surgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatric Center, 410-6419568

SENSORY STAY AND PLAY

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Get ready to squish, build, splash, shake and scoop through several fun stations. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BACKGAMMON CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Drop in for a game whether you’re an expert or want to refresh your skills. Beginners welcome. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

PUZZLE SWAP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1-5 p.m. Bring your gently used puzzles and swap for a new-to-you puzzle. Don’t have a puzzle? That’s OK too. All puzzles must be in

Continued on Page 60

T u a This u a rday!

CALENDAR

their original boxes. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 1-2 p.m. For survivors and current patients battling breast cancer. Women Supporting Women, 410-5487880

STORYTELLERS THEATER

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5 p.m. Theater activities like improv, memorization, public speaking and learning about theater. Best for ages 6-11 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

KIDS PAINT NIGHT

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Cost is

$22/painter and includes all materials and instruction. For ages 8 years and older. Pre-registration required: 410641-7052.

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Last Wednesday of the month meetings are offsite and information can be found on the website and Facebook. www.kiwanisofopoc.org.

Thurs., May 22

CONCERT ON THE PATIO: JERRY LEE ADKINS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Performing hits by Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffett and many others. Also taking requests. In case of in-

clement, the event will be held indoors. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME ‘BIG FAT HEN’

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: MS. ANGIE’S FAVES

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Songs, dancing and crafts. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BACK IN ACTION PHYSICAL THERAPTY FREE SEMINAR

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 11 a.m.-noon. “Pain is a normal part of aging … or it is?” Join Dr. Sandra Kappes for this informative free

seminar. Register: 410-641-7052. www.oceanpines.org

LET’S MAKE … CITRUSY SERVERS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1 p.m. Painting serving trays for summertime barbecues. All material provided. Registration required: 410-641-0650. www.worcesterlibrary.org

ARTSCAPE: MUSIC AND ART

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 5:30 p.m. Explore the benefits of combining music and art for mental health. For artists of all levels. Reservations required: 410-9570878. www.worcesterlibrary.org

DEMOCRATIC CLUB OF WORCESTER COUNTY MEETING

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 6-8 p.m. Leila Weah, reporter with WMDT will be the speaker.

ONGOING EVENTS

BUS TRIP TO CAMDEN YARDS

Baltimore Orioles vs. Washington Nationals, May 18. Pick up at 8:30 a.m. at Ocean Pines Community Center. Game time is 1:35 p.m. Cost is $120 and includes transportation, seats in the picnic perch (Section 286) and all-you-can-eat food until the 7th inning. Tickets: Ocean Pines Recreation & Parks, 410-6417052.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH CRAFT

Ocean City library, 10003 Coastal Highway, May 5-17. Relax and get creative at the library or at home with a mindfulness craft kit. For ages 0-18. 410-5241818

MAY INSPIRATION CHALLENGE

Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St., during May. Art, photography or poetry challenge for all ages. Pieces will be displayed in the library for viewing. The theme for May is “Music.” Due by May 28. 410-632-3495

BEATLES MAYNIA

Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St., during May. Trivia, crafts and display celebrating The Beatles all month long. 410-632-3495

Crossword answers from page 54

MAY 16, 2025 OC Today-Dispatch 61

MARKETPLACE

POOL ATTENDANTS

SECURITY

Seasonal Positions

Apply in person or call Pyramid Condo 9500 Coastal Hwy., OC 410-524-4479

Now Hiring FT FRONT DESK AGENT Seasonal, Night Shift. Apply within Comfort Suites, 12718 Ocean Gateway (Rte. 50) West OC. 410-213-7171

CLEANERS WANTED Vacation rental cleaners needed for OC and The Pines. Exp. preferred, but not required. OC PURIFIERS. Call or text 443-397-1189 or email Karen@ocpurifiers.com

RICK’S MARKET

Wages based on experience and position. Stocker, Cashier, Meat Cutter, Receiving Manager, Deli Crew, Deli Manager. Please call: 410-629-1570.

AMERICAN LEGION

2 Line Cooks, experience required. Part-time. Apply at Post, 2308 Philadelphia Avenue or call for information at 410-289-3166

NOW HIRING! PT HYGIENE Mon.-Thurs., 9am-3pm for busy dental office in Ocean City, MD. Please call 410-213-1032.

SPEEDWORLD Small Engine Mechanic. Year-round. Wage starts at $15/hr & up based on experience. Benefits available. 443-754-1047

HOUSESHARE

House to share in Ocean Pines. Fully furnished, all utilities & WiFi included. No pets, no smoking. $800. 443-880-2486

Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.

AVAILABLE

SUMMER RENTAL 4 months, Starting 5/22 Large Condo South Ocean City In interested, please call 410-294-1028 Thanks!

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Storefront Travel Agency Administrative Assistant with excellent organizational, computer, people, creative skills, and the ability to learn a variety of systems. Must be knowledgeable in creating spreadsheets & flyers.

Position is Monday thru Friday with some weekends. Send resume to: info@travelwithoasis.com No phone calls.

RENTALS

YEAR-ROUND RENTAL 1BR, 1BA W/D, 1 block from Casino 2 people max. $1,200/mo. + sec. dep. & elec. Call Steve & leave msg. 410-251-3412

YEAR-ROUND RENTAL 3BR, 2BA 1,418 sq. ft. parking included. Central HVAC. $2,150/mo. + utils. 438 Ocean Parkway, OP 410-456-0272

SUMMER BAYSIDE CONDO near Jolly Rogers. 2BR, 2BA, W/D, A/C, Wi-Fi, fully furnished. Sleeps 4-6. 2 units available. May-Sept. Call Mike at 410-603-6120. www.mbjcproperties.com

WATERFRONT BAYSIDE Newly remodeled 2BR, 2BA Condo in North OC. Full kitchen, LR, DR, W/D, balcony for sunsets. Perfect for crabbing, fishing, kayaking. 10 min. walk to beach. Weekly summer rentals & long term seasonal Nov.-May. Contact Julie, 443-223-4623

Commercial Space for Lease.

2-3 Units available, can be divided or joined. Approx. 800-1000 sq. ft. ea. Busy major road in Town of Berlin. Call 443-880-8885

SERVICES

LARRY’S HANDYMAN SERVICE

No job too small. Entrance doors, interior doors, storm doors, shower doors, drywall repairs and paint, laminate floors, interior paint. Over 40 years of carpentry experience. Please call Larry, 410-251-9066

Do you have an old bicycle not being used? It could mean a world of difference to a hard-working international student. We are looking to get as many bikes as possible. Your donation will be taxdeductible. Contact Gary at 443-975-3065.

MISC./OTHER

Underserving Each, My soul naked before You, It needs a Blood bath! Put me in the sink, Tho’ I make a fuss! Classifieds 410-723-6397

MISC. FOR SALE

Get Boost Infinite! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 855-977-5719

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HDDVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855-4076870

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-993-0969 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

VEHICLES WANTED

DONATE YOUR CAR/TRUCK/ RV - Lutheran Mission Society of MD Compassion Place ministries help local families with food, clothing, counseling. Tax deductible. MVA licensed #W1044. 410-228-8437 www.CompassionPlace.org

REAL ESTATE

We Buy Houses for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-866-541-7929

SERVICES

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-337-5228 www.dental50plus.com/ MDDC #6258

Webb, Wilber, Mathers, Illuminati & Lukas, LLP

115 Broad Street, Salisbury, MD 21801 (410) 742-3176

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE’S

SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

154 Channel Buoy Road, Ocean City, MD 21842

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Purchase Money Mortgage from DE MD, LLC dated September 9, 2022 and recorded in Liber 8467, Folio 370 et. seq., among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Substitute Trustee will sell at public auction at Circuit Court for Worcester County, Courthouse Door, Snow Hill, MD, on

Tuesday, June, 3 2025 at 11:00 a.m. o’clock

ALL that lot or parcel of land lying and being situate in the Town of Ocean City, in the Tenth Tax Election District, Lot No. 39 in Section KK on the Plat of Caine Keys II, together with any buildings or improvements thereon and more fully described as ITEM ONE in the aforesaid Purchase Money Mortgage Deed of Trust, carrying Tax ID No. 10-107466.

The Property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions, agreements, easements, covenants and rights of way of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.

TERMS OF SALE. A bidder’s deposit of 10% of the sale price will be required at the time of sale in the form of cash, certified check, or other form as the Substitute Trustee determines acceptable. No deposit shall be required of the noteholder where the noteholder bids in the property at auction. Balance of the purchase price to be paid within ten days of final ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, time being of the essence for the purchaser. In the event that settlement does not occur within the said ten days, the purchaser shall be in default. Upon such default the Trustee may file a Motion and Order to Resell the property at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, and purchaser(s) hereby consent to entry of such resale order without further notice, in which case the deposit shall be forfeited and all expenses of this sale (including attorney’s fees and the full commission on the gross sale price of this sale) shall be charged against and paid out of the forfeited deposit. The Trustee may then readvertise and resell the property at the risk and cost of the defaulting purchaser; or, without reselling the property, the Trustees may avail themselves of any legal or equitable remedies against the defaulting purchaser. In the event of a resale, the defaulting purchaser shall not be entitled to receive the surplus, if any, even if such surplus results from improvements

to the property by said defaulting purchaser. Interest to be paid on the purchase money less the stated deposit called for herein, at the rate pursuant to the Deed of Trust Note from the date of auction to the date funds are received in the office of the Substitute Trustee. There shall be no abatement of interest due from the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement or if settlement is delayed for any reason, including but not limited to exceptions to sale, bankruptcy filings by interested parties, Court administration of the foreclosure or unknown title defects. All taxes, ground rent, water rent, condominium fees and/or homeowner association dues, all public charges/ assessments payable on an annual basis, including sanitary and/or metropolitan district charges, if applicable, are to be adjusted to the date of auction and thereafter are to be assumed by the purchaser. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, agricultural transfer tax, if any and settlement expenses shall be borne by the purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. Purchaser assumes the risk of damage to the property from the date of auction forward. If the Substitute Trustee does not convey title for any reason, including but not limited to the Secured Party executing a forbearance agreement with the borrower(s) to execute their right to reinstate or payoff the subject loan, prior to sale, with or without the Substitute Trustee’s prior knowledge, or if the sale is not ratified for any reason including errors made by the Substitute Trustee, the foreclosure sale shall be null and void and of no effect, and the Purchaser’s sole remedy in law or in equity shall be the return of the deposit without interest. Further terms and particulars may be announced at time of sale, and purchaser may be required to execute a Memorandum of Sale at the time of auction.

Erica Witz, Substitute Trustee

Willie Benton, Auctioneer Eastern Shore Auctions, Inc. 443-235-5717 OCD-5/15/3t

ROBINS & ROBINS, P.A.

128 East Main Street Salisbury, Maryland 2l801

SECURED PARTY’S SALE OF MOBILE HOME

1996 Cedr Mobile Home Trailer

The Farmers Bank of Willards (“Secured Party”) will offer for sale at public auction a 1996 Cedr Mobile Home Trailer registered in the name of Brian Douglas Gifford located at Lot 18 Four Seasons Park, 12024 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, MD 21842, together with 115 shares of stock in Four Seasons Park, Inc., with proprietary lease appurtenant to stock ownership. [Note: Park rules prohibit the lease of any lot to a person who does not own stock in the corporation.] The auction will be

held at the aforesaid location of the mobile home on

TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2025

AT THE HOUR OF 10:00 A.M.

TERMS OF SALE. The property will be sold to the highest bidder, who will be required to tender on account of the purchase price at the time and place of sale cash, certified funds, or check acceptable to the undersigned, in the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), with the balance of the purchase price to be paid on or before June 20, 2025. Buyer shall be entitled to possession upon payment of the purchase price in full, time being of the essence. Real Estate taxes for the current fiscal year re Lot 18 will be pro-rated to the date of closing.

Secured Party makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, with respect to the mobile home. The successful bidder(s) will take the mobile home in its AS IS and WHERE IS, with all faults and defects, if any.

Take notice, the mobile home is situated within the Four Seasons Park and is therefore subject to the park’s rules. The successful bidder(s) may or may not be approved as tenants of the mobile home park. If the mobile home is to be placed in a mobile home park, the park may have rules and lease provisions that affect you and the mobile home. You should contact the park office to obtain and carefully review a copy of the lease and rules for the park before you enter into a contract to purchase a mobile home. Due to land restrictions in some areas in the State, a mobile home may be placed only on property that is within a mobile home park.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, please contact Mary W. Dryden, AVP Special Assets for The Farmers Bank of Willards, at 410835-8906. For information regarding the lease and park rules, contact Charles Aldinger at 717-683-8807. Pete Richardson Auction Sales, Inc. 410-546-2425

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McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC 312 Marshall Avenue, Suite 800 Laurel, MD 20707 www.mwc-law.com

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’ SALE

OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY

5 EVERGREEN COURT BERLIN, MD 21811

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from Kelley E. Galyen a/k/a Kelley E. Gaylen, dated December 26, 2006 and recorded in Liber 4859, folio 684 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, default having occurred under the terms thereof and at the request of the parties secured thereby, the undersigned Substitute Trustees will offer for sale at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St.,

Snow Hill, MD 21863, on MAY 27, 2025 AT 3:55 PM

ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND AND THE IMPROVEMENTS THEREON situated in Worcester County, Maryland and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. The property is improved by a dwelling. The property, will be sold in an "as is" condition and subject to conditions, restrictions, easements, encumbrances and agreements of record affecting the subject property, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the form of cashier's or certified check, or in such other form as the Substitute Trustees may determine, at their sole discretion, for $8,000 at the time of sale. If the noteholder and/or servicer is the successful bidder, the deposit requirement is waived. Balance of the purchase price is to be paid within ten (10) days of the final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland. Interest is to be paid on the unpaid purchase price at the rate of 5% per annum from date of sale to the date the funds are received in the office of the Substitute Trustees, if the property is purchased by an entity other than the noteholder and/or servicer. If payment of the balance does not occur within ten (10) days of ratification, the deposit will be forfeited as liquidated damages. The purchaser agrees that the property may be resold pursuant to an order of court, waives personal service upon themselves and/or any principal or corporate designee of any documents filed regarding the failure to pay the purchase price within ten (10) days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail of said documents at the address provided by the purchaser in the Memorandum of Sale. The purchaser will not be entitled to any surplus or profits arising from the resale even if they are the result of improvements made by the purchaser. There will be no abatement of interest due from the purchaser in the event settlement is delayed for any reason. Taxes, ground rent, water rent, and all other public charges and assessments payable on an annual basis, including sanitary and/or metropolitan district charges, and front foot benefit charges, if applicable, to be adjusted for the current year to the date of sale, and assumed thereafter by the purchaser. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes (including agricultural transfer taxes, if applicable), and all settlement charges shall be borne by the purchaser. The sale is subject to a post sale audit of the loan, including but not limited to an analysis of whether the borrower entered into a loan modification agreement, filed bankruptcy, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. The Sub-

stitute Trustees will convey either insurable or marketable title. If the Substitute Trustees are unable to convey insurable or marketable title or, the post sale audit concludes that the sale should not have occurred, or the sale is not ratified by the court for any reason, the purchaser’s sole remedy in law or equity shall be limited to the refund of the deposit without interest even if the purchaser has made improvements to the property. Upon refund of the deposit, the sale shall be void and of no effect, and the purchaser shall have no further claim against the Substitute Trustees. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. The purchaser at the foreclosure sale shall assume the risk of loss for the property immediately after the sale. (Matter #2013-42873).

Laura H. G. O'Sullivan, et al., Substitute Trustees

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VICTOR A LEMBO SIMS & CAMPBELL LLC

181 HARRY S TRUMAN PKWY STE 150 ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401-7565

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of GEORGE MURRELL WALKER Estate No. 20626 Notice is given that DAVID G WALKER whose address is 10128 52ND AVE COLLEGE PARK, MD 20740-1124 was on APRIL 24, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GEORGE MURRELL WALKER who died on SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 24th day of OCTOBER, 2025

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Reg-

ister of Wills. TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY

ONE W MARKET STREET

ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-5/1/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of DOUGLAS ALAN ROSS Estate No. 20623 Notice is given that THOMAS G. ROSS whose address is 118 W. WATER ST., P.O. BOX 119, CENTREVILLE, MD 21617-1031 was on APRIL 22, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DOUGLAS ALAN ROSS who died on MARCH 21, 2025 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 22nd day of OCTOBER, 2025

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-5/1/3t

SOUTRY D. SMITH ATTNY HASSANI, FOCAS & FIFER P.A. 1447 YORK RD., STE. 800 LUTHERVILLE, MD 21093-6089

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20624 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RUTH ELEANOR KOVELL

Notice is given that Thomas Kovell, 129 Taft Dr., Unit 202, Sarasota, FL 34236-3344 and Debra A. Lundy, 3803 Proctor Ln., Nottingham, MD 21236-4748, were on April 28, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ruth Eleanor Kovell who died on March 25, 2025, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 28th day of October, 2025.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Thomas Kovell Debra A. Lundy

Personal Representatives

True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: May 01, 2025

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CYNTHIA B. MACDONALD ESQ 208 CALVERT ST P. O. BOX 33 SALISBURY, MD 21803

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of MARY E COSGROVE AKA: MARY V COSGROVE Estate No. 20635 Notice is given that KATHLEEN C SHAFFER whose address is 10200 BARN HILL DR COLLIERVILLE, TN 38017-8942 was on APRIL 28, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARY E COSGROVE who died on APRIL 02, 2025 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 28th day of OCTOBER, 2025

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the ear-

lier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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Garrett M. Fitzgerald, Esq. #1212110279

The Fitzgerald Law Group PO Box 3000 Easton, MD 21601 Telephone ( 410) 690-4948

Gfitzlaw@gmail.com

Attorney for the Plaintiff

SINAN CESUR Plaintiff v. WESLEY HEIRS MISTER

WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

S/O Roscoe R. Leslie, Esq.

STATE OF MARYLAND Office of the Attorney General S/O Anthony Brown, Anorney General

All persons who have or claim to have any interest in the Tax Rolls of the Finance Officer and Collector of State Taxes for WORCESTER COUNTY as follows: LOT NORTH SIDE FLOWER ST N E OF BERLIN Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND CASE N0.: C-23-CV-25-000092

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure foreclosure of all rights of redemption from tax sale on the property known as LOT NORTH SIDE FLOWER ST N E OF BERLIN, sold by the Finance Officer of WORCESTER COUNTY, State of Maryland, to SINAN CESUR, the Plaintiff. A description of the property in substantially the same form as the description appearing on the Certificate of Tax Sale is as follows: LOT ORTH SIDE FLOWER ST NE OF BERLIN

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amount necessary for redemption has not been paid. It is thereupon this 28th of April, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, ORDERED that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation once

a week for three consecutive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear before this Court by the 27th day of June, 2025, and redeem the property and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property and vesting title to the property in the Plaintiff, free of all liens and encumbrances.

Beau H. Oglesby Judge, Circuit Court for WORCESTER COUNTY

True Copy

Test: Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD

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NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a request to change the outside deck hours of service from noon until 11 p.m. to noon until 1 a.m. and request for live entertainment on the outside deck with a maximum of three pieces or a disc jockey to end by 9 p.m. Class: "C" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: David Carey, 2308 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland 21842; Thomas Ottewallder, 2308 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland 21842; George Barstis, 2308 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

For: American Legion Synepuxent Post #166

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: American Legion Synepuxent Post #166

2308 Philadelphia Avenue Ocean City, Maryland 21842

There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: May 21, 2025 @ 1:10 p.m.

The Board welcomes written or oral comments at said public hearing from any interested party. Information regarding this hearing can be found at www.co.worcester.md.us.

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NOTICE

OF

APPLICATION

FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Patrice Hamilton Ottey, 384 Dueling Way, Berlin, Maryland 21811; Fredric Michael Leibowitz, 307 Purnell Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863; Meghan Leigh Newberger, 475 Dueling Way, Berlin, Maryland 21811.

For: CounterClox, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: CounterClox 104 N. Main Street Berlin, Maryland 21811

Formerly: Bouragave, LLC

There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room

1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: May 21, 2025 @ 1:15 p.m.

The Board welcomes written or oral comments at said public hearing from any interested party. Information regarding this hearing can be found at www.co.worcester.md.us.

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NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC

BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer and request to expand premises for a Class: "A" BEER-WINE License: 7 Day, By: Kinga Jasinska, 10203 Willowbrook Drive, Berlin, Maryland 21811; Hanna Kucuk, 10205 Bent Creek Road, Ocean City, Maryland 21842; Ibrahim Can Aksut, 10264 Broken Sound Blvd., Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

For: 8th Street Market, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: 8th Street Beer & Wine 714 Philadelphia Avenue

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Formerly: Khitam, Inc.

There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: May 21, 2025 @ 1:25 p.m.

The Board welcomes written or oral comments at said public hearing from any interested party. Information regarding this hearing can be found at www.co.worcester.md.us.

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NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "B" BEERWINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Rifat Boluk, 608 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, Maryland 21811.

For: Magic Food, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: OC Diner

12744 Ocean Gateway, #7

Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: May 21, 2025 @ 1:35 p.m.

The Board welcomes written or oral comments at said public hearing from any interested party. Information regarding this hearing can be found at www.co.worcester.md.us.

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NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "B" BEERWINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Florence V. Marcantoni, 13341 Nantucket Road, Ocean City, Maryland 21842; Juan C. Liberatore, 82 Cedar Chip Circle, Baltimore, Maryland

21234; Jose M. Liberatore, 1400 Bolinger Road, Westmister, Maryland 21157.

For: OC Libs, Inc.

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Liberatore's Tapas-Wine BarLibation 12831 Coastal Highway Ocean City, Maryland 21842

There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: May 21, 2025 @ 1:45 p.m.

The Board welcomes written or oral comments at said public hearing from any interested party. Information regarding this hearing can be found at www.co.worcester.md.us.

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MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL OCEAN CITY

PUBLIC NOTICE INVITATION TO BIDDERS

TITLE: RELOCATE TAXIWAY A: PACKAGE 1 OCEAN CITY MUNICIPAL AIRPORT BID NO.: B06-25

Sealed Proposals for this project shall be accepted by: The Mayor & City Council Ocean City Attn: City Manager, Room 230, 301 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, prior to 4:30 pm local time on Monday, June 9, 2025. Bidders who want to participate in the bid opening at 1:00 pm local time on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 may do so; details will be provided at the Pre-bid meeting. Submissions must be marked “Airport Taxiway Proposal” on the outermost packaging of the bid.

The Scope of Work under this contract consists of furnishing all supervision, labor, materials, equipment, tools, and associated work necessary to complete the Relocate Taxiway A: Package 1 project at Ocean City Municipal Airport. The scope of work for this project includes demolition of existing taxiways, earthwork, drainage, construction of new taxiways, soil cement, aggregate base, underdrain, asphalt paving, pavement marking, lighting and guidance signage, utilities, runway pavement maintenance crack sealing and seal coat, fencing, topsoiling, seeding, and gravel roadways. All work shall be completed in accordance with the Contract Documents.

Contract Plans and Specifications may be obtained electronically upon request by contacting Derek Hollinger, PE, AECOM at Derek.Hollinger@aecom.com. Contract Documents will be available after 4:00 pm on Monday, May 12, 2025. Questions regarding this bid will be accepted by AECOM by emailing Derek.Hollinger@aecom.com. The

cutoff date for questions is Thursday, May 29, 2025. A Pre-Bid Meeting for interested bidders will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Ocean City Municipal Airport at 12724 Airport Road, Berlin, Maryland in the Terminal on the 2nd floor in the conference room and via Teams; details for attending will be provided to prospective bidder planholders. Bidders inspecting the site work areas should do so informally and independently by contacting Jaime Giandomenico, Airport Manager, at 443-235-4434 to arrange such visit.

Each bid shall be accompanied by ALL completed bid forms (see Contract Specifications Manual), and a bid guaranty in the amount of 5% of the total bid amount which shall be a Cashier’s Check made payable to the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, Maryland, or a bid bond which is underwritten by a surety company approved by the Town.

The Bid Package submitted by the successful bidder must be reviewed and approved by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Maryland Aviation Administration prior to award of the Contract. Accordingly, it is intended that the project be awarded to the successful bidder within 120 calendar days of the date specified above for bid opening. Following award, a contract will be executed and administrative NTP will be issued to allow for project administrative start-up and material procurement. Construction NTP is then anticipated for Fall 2025 with completion in Spring 2026 as described by the project phasing and the Bid Documents.

Mayor & City Council Ocean City reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to accept any bid, or portions thereof, when, in their judgment, the public will be better served.

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B. RANDALL COATES ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET P O BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of ALEXANDER ALONZO WATERS JR Estate No. 20641 Notice is given that BARRY WATERS whose address is 114 MORGAN RUN SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1262 was on MAY 01, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ALEXANDER ALONZO WATERS JR who died on MARCH 26, 2025 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 1st day of NOVEMBER, 2025

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned per-

sonal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-5/8/3t

VICTORIA L. O’NEILL ESQ. AYRES JENKINS GORDY & ALMAND P.A.

6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 16445 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARY ANN ARMSTRONG

Notice is given that Lori B. Armstrong, 4821 Babylon Rd., Taneytown, MD 21787-1411 and Lisa Joan Armstrong, 2425 Pine St., Philadelphia, PA 19103-6416, were on May 05, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Ann Armstrong who died on February 05, 2016, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 5th day of November, 2025.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Lori B. Armstrong Lisa Joan Armstrong

Personal Representatives

True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County

One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: May 08, 2025

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of WILSON LEVERING SMITH III Estate No. 20639 Notice is given that SHERI LYNN SMITH WHETZEL whose address is 7502 FRIENDS LN, EMMITSBURG, MD 21727-9721 was on APRI 30, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WILSON LEVERING SMITH III who died on APRIL 14, 2025 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 30TH day of OCTOBER, 2025

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20638 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOYCE R. SHAFFER

AKA: JOYCE RAY SHAFFER

Notice is given that William L. Frick, 9927 Stephen Decatur Hwy., Ste. 13, Ocean City, MD 21842-9351, was on April 29, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of

Joyce R. Shaffer who died on April 06, 2025, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 29th day of October, 2025.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

William L. Frick

Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: May 08, 2025

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of MACON CHANDLER CARRICK Estate No. 20109 Notice is given that CATE NELLANS whose address is 26 BROAD ST., BERLIN, MD 21811-1030 was on MAY 01, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MACON CHANDLER CARRICK who died on JANUARY 24, 2024 without a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 1st day of NOVEMBER, 2025

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of

the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-5/8/3t

CHERYL A. JONES ESQ. CJ LAW 9515 DEERECO RD., STE. 405 TIMONIUM, MD 21093-2152

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20653 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF HOPE M. MAINOLFI

Notice is given that Nanette K. Serio, 9945 Hilltop Dr., Baltimore, MD 21234-1812, was on May 06, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Hope M. Mainolfi who died on March 05, 2025, without a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of November, 2025.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Nanette K. Serio Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: May 08, 2025

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CHRISTOPHER T WOODLEY ESQ WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON

3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES

ESTATE NO. 20655

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the court of SUSSEX COUNTY, DELAWARE appointed (1) KATARZYNA BORON HEMMING whose address is 37090 JOHNSON RD SELBYVILLE, DE 19975-3525 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of ALBERT W WESTBROOK who died on AUGUST 01, 2024 domiciled in DELAWARE, USA.

The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is (1) CHRISTOPHER T WOODLEY whose address is 3509 COASTAL HWY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-3334. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: WORCESTER AND PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTIES

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110 of the Code of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Zoning Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted by the Board of Zoning Appeals for

Ocean City, Maryland in the Council Chambers of City Hall located on Baltimore Avenue and Third Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on:

Thursday, May 22, 2025 AT 6:00 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers of the Code, an application has been filed under Section 110-94(2)(b) to request a special parking exception from design standards to (1) reduce the required garage door opening to 9 feet 3 inches, rather than 10 feet as required by Code; and (2) to reduce the size of one (1) required off-street parking space proposed to be within a garage to 10’3” X 20’ rather than 11’ X 20, as required by Code. The property is described as Tax Map 115, Grid 20, Parcel 5347 and as Lot 15 of the Village West Part One Plat. It is further described as being located on the south side of Bayshore Drive and is locally known as 601 Bayshore Drive, Unit 15, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: STEPHEN

KANSAK (BZA 2718 #2509400004)

Further information concerning the public hearings may be examined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall. Christopher Rudolf, Chairman Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-5/8/2t

MAUREEN F.L. HOWARTH

AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND, P.A.

6200 Coastal Highway, Suite 200 Ocean City, Maryland 21842

NOTICE OF TAX SALE

OF PROPERTY IN THE TENTH ELECTION DISTRICT, SUBDISTRICTS 101-109, WORCESTER COUNTY, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

Town of Ocean City, Maryland municipal taxes and assessments under levies of the tax years 2022/2023, 2023/2024 & 2024/2025 on the properties hereinafter described being due and in arrears and unpaid; and in order to compel the payment of the same, together with interest thereon, Attorney and Advertising Fees of $258, and the costs of attending the proceeding, as provided by law, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me as the City Manager and Collector of municipal taxes in the Tenth Election District, Worcester County, Ocean City, Maryland as provided by the Acts of the General Assembly of Maryland (Tax-Property Article Section 14-808 et seq. of the Annotated Code of Maryland), the undersigned City Manager and Collector of Taxes, will sell at public auction, at City Hall, 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland, on

FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 2025

AT THE HOUR OF 10:00 A.M.

the below described properties: Item 3 10-258383 and 15457540150: Described as Trader’s Cove

Condominium, Unit 3, Section B, 303 Seabay Lane, Assessed to Barrett Christian Grieb & Cassie Marie Chance, Assessed Value $393,100, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $2,124.72.

Item 4 10-297869 and 11244947066: Described as Hialeah Park Condominium, Unit 4, 502 142nd Street, Assessed to Krawczyk, LLC, Assessed Value $128,767, Wastewater, Interest and Penalties Due $926.73.

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Tax Certificate Consultants, Inc. c/o James F. Truitt, Jr. 20 East Timonium Road, Suite 100 Timonium, Maryland 21093 Plaintiff v.

The Testate and Intestate Successors of Helen C. Mills

U.S. Department of Agriculture

U.S. Department of Agriculture

U.S. Department of Agriculture 4108 MARKET ST. and Worcester County, Maryland (for Maryland Annotated Code 141836(b )( 1 )(v) purposes only) and

Any and all person having or claiming to have any interest in the fee simple in the properties and premises situate, lying and being in the County of Worcester described on the Tax Rolls Worcester County Collector of State and County Taxes for said County known as: 4108 Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, 2nd (Second) Election District, described as follows: all that lot of land and imps. PARCEL NUMBER: 02011425 PROPERTY

DESCRIPTION: 100' X 286.05' X 85.84' X 258 SE SIDE R-394 S OF SNOW HILL IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY IN EQUITY

Case Number: C-23-CV-25-000123

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption In the following property 4108 Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863 in the County of Worcester, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff In this proceeding:

all that lot of land and imps. PARCEL NUMBER: 02011425 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: 100' X 286.05' X 85.84' X 258 SE SIDE R-394 S OF SNOW HILL

The complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

It Is thereupon this 6th of May, 2025 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 11th day of July, 2025, and redeem the property 4108 Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863 and answer the com-

plaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff’s title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley JUDGE

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court

Worcester County MD

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NOTICE

Town of Snow Hill Announces Unofficial Election Results

Snow Hill, Maryland

The Town of Snow Hill held their general election in-person on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

The office of Central District Council was on the ballot and there were two candidates: Current Council member, Aaron W. Lumpkins and candidate Madelyn Lampron.

The Snow Hill Board of Elections announced unofficial results at the close of polls: Madelyn Lampron received 8 votes and Aaron W. Lumpkins, received 60 votes and is the unofficial winner. Of the 584 registered voters in the Central District, a total of 68 votes were cast in person. There were 2 absentee ballots collected and 1 provisional ballot.

Per the charter, the official results will be determined May 28th, 2025 when the Snow Hill Board of Elections will meet and count all absentee ballots received that were postmarked by or before May 6, 2025 as well as vetted and approved provisional ballots.

All offices will be sworn in at the Town’s June 10th, 2025 regular meeting, and will then begin their two-year terms.

For more information call Kandice Ringenary at Town Hall at 410-632-2080.

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JAMES W. ALMAND ESQ

AYRES JENKINS GORDY & ALMAND, PA 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20659 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DONNA LOEWE RIPPLE

Notice is given that Joseph Roland Ripple, 4042 Jones Rd., Pocomoke City, MD 21851-2410, was on May 07, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Donna Loewe Ripple who died on February 28, 2025, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or

by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of November, 2025.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Joseph Roland Ripple Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: May 15, 2025

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BID

SOLICITATION

Solid Waste Overhead Door Replacement

Worcester County is seeking Bids from qualified Vendors to contract for the replacement of two (2) overhead shop doors and openers at the Central Site Landfill, in conformity with the requirements contained herein Bid Documents.

Bid Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer, Nicholas Rice, at nrice@co.worcester.md.us or by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.

A pre-bid conference will be held on site at Central Site Landfill, located at 7091 Central Site Lane, Newark, MD 21841, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 10:30am. The last day for questions will be noon on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Sealed

Bid Documents are due no later than Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 2:30pm, and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

Late Bid Documents will not be accepted.

Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for the award of solicitation.

Envelopes shall be marked "Bid Solicitation – Solid Waste Overhead Door Replacement”, in the lower lefthand corner.

Nicholas W. Rice, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Procurement Officer Worcester County, Maryland OCD-5/15/1t

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20574

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOAN DEFRESSINE

Notice is given that Linda Hazard, 12441 W. Torquay Rd., Ocean City, MD 21842-9141 and Deborah Defressine, 936 Yacht Club Dr., Berlin, MD 21811-9415, were on May 05, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Joan Defressine who died on December 23, 2024, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Linda Hazard

Deborah Defressine Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott

One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House

Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: May 15, 2025

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B. RANDALL COATES ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET P O BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of THOMAS BRITTON GOFF

AKA: THOMAS BRITTON GOFF SR Estate No. 19835 Notice is given that TERESA GOFF whose address is 415 S CHURCH STREET

SNOW HILL, MD 21863 was on JULY 31, 2023 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of THOMAS BRITTON GOFF who died on AUGUST 20, 2020 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 31st day of JANUARY, 2024

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-5/15/3t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20656 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF HOWARD R. SHAFFER

Notice is given that Christopher M. Shaffer, 10007 Mill Pond Dr., Bishopville, MD 21813-1274, was on May 06, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Howard R. Shaffer who died on April

12, 2025, without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Christopher M. Shaffer

Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: May 16, 2025

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SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20654 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF CAROL ANN MCALLISTER

AKA: CAROL A. MCALLISTER

Notice is given that Jacqueline Taylor, 115 Loquitur Ln. Magnolia, DE 19962-2325, was on May 06, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Carol Ann McAllister who died on September 26, 2024, without a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against

the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Jacqueline Taylor Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: May 15, 2025

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of JEFFREY C. CLAYPOOL

AKA: JEFFERY C. CLAYPOOL Estate No. 20652 Notice is given that SAVANNAH MARIE CLAYPOOL whose address is 36411 DAVIS ST., WILLARDS, MD 21874-1106 was on MAY 05, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JEFFREY C. CLAYPOOL who died on MARCH 23, 2025 with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or

by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 5th day of NOVEMBER, 2025.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of GLORIA E. BLEVINS Estate No. 20662 Notice is given that THERESA LYNN PLASKON whose address is 8027 GREENBRIAR SWAMP RD., SALISBURY, MD 21804-9172 was on MAY 09, 2025 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of GLORIA E. BLEVINS who died on APRIL 19, 2025 without a will.

NOTICE TO MERCHANTS

Have you forgotten to renew your State of Maryland business license?

To avoid paying the mandatory penalty, please renew your license by May 30, 2025

The office will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2025, in observance of Memorial Day under State Law.

You can apply and renew business licenses online at Maryland Judiciary Business Licenses Online

https://jportal.mdcourts.gov/license/pbIndex.jsp

Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, Maryland

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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Officials discuss parking shortage

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 16, 2025) Transportation officials say they are recommending an express shuttle and the promotion of the city’s existing bus service to address a severe parking shortage that would likely occur once the construction of a convention center parking garage commences.

On Tuesday, Transportation Manager Rob Shearman presented his recommendations for addressing a parking deficiency when the city moves forward with improvements at the convention center.

While offering several solutions, he told officials this week he favored the creation of an express shuttle service between the convention center and the West Ocean City Park and Ride, as well as a plan to promote the city’s existing Coastal Highway Beach Bus.

“We’re thinking long-term future here, obviously,” he said, “but I have been asked to look at some options.”

In October 2023, the Maryland Stadium Authority entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Town of Ocean City to oversee a space master plan and parking demand study at the convention center.

The results of that study, released to the public in March, show the need for a 51,000-square-foot expansion

in future years, as well as additional parking, which could be achieved through the construction of a multilevel parking garage, proposed for the south convention center parking lot.

“I don’t want to box us in, build something in the middle of the lot that could halt future expansions …,” Mayor Rick Meehan said this spring. “We’re running out of space, but we’re definitely running out of parking.”

While no funding or timeline has been identified for the project, Shearman told transportation committee members this week his department had been tasked with creating a plan for mitigating the severe parking deficiency that would occur during construction.

He said the city is allowed to offer free and reduced fare to convention center attendees – which the city currently does – and add an express shuttle that would service certain stops. However, he said the city was not allowed to add a shuttle service that would target certain people.

“So if we were to try to come up with something where we were shuttling people from only certain hotels to the convention center, or something like that, it wouldn’t fly with the MTA and FTA, not as a publicly funded service,” he explained. “That’s what we have to watch and be cau-

tious of, so we’re not crossing a line.”

Shearman said the city could also create a bus loop that travels to the convention center and turns around near Northside Park.

But he said he favored one option – creating an express shuttle service that connects the convention center to the Park and Ride.

“I do feel like we would be wellsuited to link the convention center with our biggest area of surplus parking, which is of course the West Ocean City Park and Ride …,” he told the committee. “It sounds like a nobrainer and something we should definitely do.”

In doing so, Shearman said the city could encourage those traveling to the convention center from outside the area to park at the Park and Ride and use the express service. He said those staying in town could be encouraged to take the existing Coastal Highway Beach Bus.

Meehan told committee members this week he liked the idea. He said it would also encourage convention center attendees to take advantage of the free bus service currently offered to them.

“Under this scenario, they may learn to take advantage of that,” he said. “Once that happens, they may continue to do it afterwards as well. People tend to do what they get used to.”

REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE

County’s rural broadband connections grow

Worcester officials look to expand internet connection to more underserved areas

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(May 16, 2025) More and more rural homeowners are getting access to broadband Internet in Worcester County, officials say.

About 70% of rural homes now have fiber optic cable installed in order to connect to the Internet, according to Brian Jones, Worcester County’s Information Technology Director.

Cedar Hall, Girdletree, and the Germantown community outside Berlin are the latest areas to get broadband Internet service, Jones told the Worcester County Commissioners at their May 6 meeting. Construction for service to Whaleyville is complete, he added, and service could go live by the end of summer. Internet service providers (ISPs) like Talkie, Bay Country, and Simple Fiber are among the private companies contracting with residents to provide service. Those crew connect their own fiber lines off a main trunk line, a state-supplied fiber optic backbone, which runs up the middle of the county.

This doesn’t apply to municipali-

Saturrdday 11am-1pm

ties like Ocean City or Berlin, who have their own agreements with Comcast to provide Internet service.

Comcast has been installing new fiber lines along Coastal Highway of late, according to Commissioner Joe Mitrecic (District 7) who represents the resort.

Jones said Choptank Electric Cooperative has its own fiber division that offers fiber-optic internet service, which launched in 2021. He said Choptank is still working toward connectivity for residents in the Public Landing, Taylor Landing, and Girdletree areas.

“A lot of those areas are already complete, and they are serving customers as well, so they’re moving along pretty well,” he said. “They’re at least going to be served twice over we’ll have two different ISPs in those areas. People that live in those areas should be pretty happy because they have choices. They had nothing before.”

Commissioner Caryn Abbott remarked that ISP Talkie is working feverishly in her Pocomoke City district.

“They’ve been moving at lightning speed lately,” she told Jones. “I mean, the last six months, they’re everywhere. I know the people in Pocomoke are appreciative of that, so thank you.”

‘A lot of those areas are already complete, and they are serving customers as well, so they’re moving along pretty well. They’re at least going to be served twice over we’ll have two different ISPs in those areas. People that live in those areas should be pretty happy because they have choices. They had nothing before’ Brian Jones, Worcester County’s Information Technology Director

Jones said the gaps between unserved broadband homes are starting to fill up. “I hope that, all of you, your calls would be going down at this point, with complaining about Internet,” he said. “As we get to the end, the good thing is, we’re looking for properties to move forward with.”

Other unserved areas could expect broadband internet access soon, Jones added, thanks to a potential “difficult to serve properties” grant from the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development.

Unless there is a spur coming off a

May 15 - 22

country road, or a telephone pole nearby, “the likelihood of them getting services is not great. They’re probably going to be one of the last,” Jones said.

One hurdle to overcome, he mentioned, isn’t a physical problem, but a policy one: for dozens of unserved customers living along Route 113, there isn’t any county easement for crews to work inside. It’s all state property – and the state wants to charge monthly or yearly fees for ISPs to get access.

Jones says he’s been asking the state for those fees to be waived and has very recently reached out to state legislators for their help. It may come down to the commissioners sending a formal letter to the state to grease the wheels, he said.

“They want us to get broadband services to the customers who don’t have it. Well, drop the barriers, let us in, let us do it for no charge. At least get the conduit in the ground. That would take care of a lot of issues we have now,” Jones said.

County Administrator Weston Young said Worcester has contributed about $1 million of its own funding to installation projects. Other funding has mostly been sourced from state and federal grants, including federal pass-through money left over from COVID-19 relief, he said.

How AI is helping real estate agents work smarter

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(May 16, 2025) Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly transforming the real estate industry, providing agents with tools to work more efficiently, make data-driven decisions, and enhance the client experience. From automating tasks to analyzing market trends, AI is becoming an indispensable part of a successful agent’s toolkit. One of the most impactful ways AI

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supports real estate agents is through automation. AI-powered platforms can handle time-consuming tasks such as scheduling showings, responding to initial inquiries, and even writing listing descriptions. This frees up agents to focus more on building relationships and closing deals.

Market analysis is another area where AI shines. Advanced algorithms can analyze vast amounts of real estate data—comparable sales, neighborhood trends, pricing history—and present it in a way that helps agents price properties more ac-

CPA, said, “Bryant’s dedication to his clients and his ability to provide a comprehensive outlook for their retirement goals is truly impressive. His focus on helping clients pursue financial security, along with his strong work ethic, makes him an invaluable member of our team. We are thrilled to celebrate Bryant’s achievement and look forward to his continued success.”

Zimmerman, a graduate of Salisbury University with a bachelor’s de-

curately and provide stronger guidance to their clients. Additionally, AIdriven tools like virtual staging and 3D home tours are enhancing how agents market homes online. These immersive tools help listings stand out, especially in a competitive digital space where first impressions matter. In a fast-paced and ever-changing industry, AI is not replacing real estate agents—it’s empowering them. By leveraging AI technologies, agents can deliver more value, operate more efficiently, and ultimately provide a better buying or selling experience for their clients. As the technology con-

tinues to evolve, its role in real estate will only become more prominent.

**DISCLAIMER: This article was 100% written by AI using the prompt “300 word real estate article on how AI is helping real estate agents.” Although I used AI for this particular article; I will not be returning to our artificial friend. I find the responses to be quite wordy, redundant and most of the time boring. I’ll stick to writing in the flesh.

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gree in finance, specializing in the financial planning track, is deeply rooted in the local community. Born and raised on the Eastern Shore, he is an active member of the Salisbury Lions Club, serving in District 22B.

One of his favorite community contributions is volunteering to cook the infamous fried chicken at the County Fair, as well as participating in other local festivals and fundraisers. Zimmerman enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, hunting, and working on his farm.

with a certificate and trophy bowl beautifully filled with a floral. Pictured, from left, are Arata, Bennett, King and LaHayne.

Post office on 5th Street to relocate further downtown

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 16, 2025) With the 5th Street facility slated for demolition, the U.S. Postal Service will move its downtown operations to Worcester Street.

The announcement was made Tuesday during an annual presentation of the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC), which owns the Worcester Street property.

Executive Director Zach Bankert said that while the lease process is ongoing, he is confident the deal will move forward in the coming months.

“That’s something we’ve been working on for over a year, and even before that,” he told members of the Ocean City Council this week.

The post office’s lease for the building at 5th Street and Philadelphia Avenue will not be renewed, as the owner – the Mayor and City Council – has plans to demolish the site for additional parking.

To that end, OCDC began working with the USPS on a new location –102 Worcester Street. Purchased in 2023, the corporation has started extensive renovation work, which includes new siding, a new roof and dormers and a new ramp.

“That was a requirement of our new tenant, which today I think we can announce … we plan on putting the post office in this building,” Bankert told the council.

When reached for comment on Wednesday, Bankert said the move to Worcester Street will allow the post office to remain downtown. He said

the location was critical, as many area business owners utilize the post office boxes.

“The OCDC has signed a lease to put the post office at 102 Worcester Street, pending the USPS procuring the funds to cover the lease,” he said. “The lease process for the USPS is a long and drawn-out process and unlike a typical commercial lease, but we are far enough along in the process that we are confident in making the announcement.”

Once home to businesses such as Duffy’s Love Shack and Worcester Street Brewing Company, the downtown property has sat vacant for years.

Bankert said the property is now being transformed into a mixed-use development, with the post office on the first floor and employee housing on the second.

“At the OCDC, we feel mixed use buildings, especially those with an employee housing component, are critical for a healthy downtown,” he said. “This is an example of the OCDC putting our money where our mouth is.”

During Tuesday’s presentation, OCDC President Joe Wilson said the final version of the lease agreement has been signed, but that USPS must go through a procurement process before anything is finalized.

“That process could still take a few months because it is the federal government,” he told the council. “But once that’s completed, we will be ready to go, to move them in there.”

The Worcester County Garden Club recently recognized member Jan King as its 2025 Mary Ann Royal Award recipient. Established by the club’s first president in honor of her friend, Mary Ann Royal, the award is given to a member who has made outstanding contributions to the club. The past three awardees, Martha Bennett, Pat Arata and Joan LaHayne, chose the recipient and presented her

Hospital secures broadband rebate from special fund

Reimbursement to enable AGH to expand high-speed access, offset service costs

(May 16, 2025) Atlantic General Hospital (AGH) has received $157,794 in reimbursement from a special fund administered through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that allows not-forprofit healthcare organizations serving rural areas to apply for a discount on eligible broadband internet services.

This rebate helps offset the costs AGH incurs to secure high-speed internet services through the Maryland Broadband Cooperative (MdBC). These services are essential for the fast and secure exchange of patient records — crucial for making timely, informed healthcare decisions.

Additionally, the rebate enables AGH to expand high-speed access to underserved areas, ensuring residents receive the quality care they deserve. To date, AGH has received nearly $500,000 from the Rural Healthcare Fund, supporting continued reinvestment in vital IT infrastructure.

Telecommunications service providers across the U.S. – like those who are members of MdBC – pay into the fund to support rural healthcare facilities in bringing world-class healthcare to their patients and families through increased connectivity.

“Connecting communities to world-class healthcare is a core part of our mission. This reimbursement reflects the essential role that broadband plays in ensuring healthcare providers like Atlantic General Hospital have the robust, reliable connections needed to deliver critical care and innovative telehealth services to their patients,” said Drew Van Dopp, president and CEO of MdBC.

“The cost of providing safe, high quality care in the current environment only continues to increase. We cannot overstate the importance of the Rural Healthcare Fund, which helps make broadband internet service more affordable, ultimately reducing the cost of patient care,” said Jonathan Bauer, AGH vice president of information services.

Atlantic General Hospital worked with Network Better, a network and telecommunications professional management company, to identify and successfully apply for the Rural

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Maryland Broadband Cooperative presented a reimbursement check for $157,794 to Atlantic General Hospital as part of a federal program to offset high speed internet expenses for rural not-for-profit hospitals. From left are Megan Speake, MdBC impact analyst; Drew Van Dopp, MdBC president and CEO; Jonathan Bauer, AGH vice president of information services; Jeremey Sweeney, AGH IT manager; Don Owrey, AGH president and CEO; and Toni Keiser, AGH vice president of public relations.

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Ocean City considers street painting event for the resort

City staff says festival could be included in Springfest or created as separate exhibit

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(May 16, 2025) Tourism officials are exploring ways to introduce a street painting festival to Ocean City.

Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo said the event could be held independently or in conjunction with next year’s Springfest, which department heads are looking to improve. On Monday, he pitched the idea to members of the city’s tourism commission.

“My thought was we could put this with Springfest and do it on the concrete side of the Boardwalk up to 4th Street,” he explained. “Or we could go somewhere in town and have it be its own separate festival.”

Perlozzo said a similar event was held in cities such as Lake Worth Beach, Florida, where the city hosts amateur and professional artists to decorate its downtown streets. He said the event also incorporated a

kids art zone, food vendors, music and more.

“I thought it was really unique and something we could bring here,” he told the commission.

In short, Perlozzo said the event was a chalk art festival, in which both simple and elaborate designs could be painted onto streets, walls or even boxes.

If brought to Ocean City, he said the city could potentially incorporate its beach stand boxes.

While noting the Boardwalk was the most logical location, he said the event “could happen in sections of the town, or anywhere.”

Ocean City Development Corporation Executive Director Zach Bankert said it was also an opportunity to paint murals on the roll-up doors at Boardwalk businesses.

“We started a program last year for that … ,” he said. “Delmarva Power won’t let us touch the utility boxes anymore, so it would be nice to find something to replace it.”

Bankert also noted that the suspension of the city’s tram service has affected businesses on the north end

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Ocean City considers kickstarting a new street painting event similar to an already existing festival in Lake Worth Beach, Florida, pictured.

Tourism mulls possible festival

of the Boardwalk. He also asked that officials explore ways to bring visitors up the beach.

“If you had something that could get people to walk up the Boardwalk, that would be nice,” he said.

It appears the street painting festival has found success in Lake Worth Beach, where more than 600 artists participate in the annual event.

A description on the city’s website reads, “Join over 600 artists as they

transform the streets of downtown Lake Worth Beach into a stunning outdoor museum during the Annual Street Painting Festival. In addition to the art, enjoy live entertainment on three stages, explore unique downtown restaurants and shops, and savor delicious offerings at the festival food court and bistro. Admission is free. Come watch as original artworks and reproductions of masterpieces come to life, only to fade away with the next rain.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

A street painting festival in Lake Worth Beach, Florida brings in hundreds of artists. Ocean City staff looks to bring a similar event to the Maryland resort.

SPEED PAINTING CLASS

Agritourism winery granted special exception from BZA

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(May 16, 2025) A local entrepreneur is making plans to open a new agritourism operation and winery outside Berlin and Ocean City that could connect to his existing venue and events business.

Landowner Patrick Brady in an interview said being able to repurpose ag-zoned property into an agritourism destination is “a big push for Worcester County right now.”

“I want to create an area where I can have a winery, I can possibly do a farm brewery and have a space where people can come and enjoy and relax. There’s plenty of open space there. In that area there, there aren’t some of these facilities and I think it would be a nice addition to the area,” he said.

Brady, 42, was granted a special exception from the Worcester County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) on May 8 to host non-agricultural functions on the agriculturally zoned land. He hopes to launch in October after getting site plan approval from county planners.

The property on Worcester Highway, just north of Route 113, is the former site of Friends Forever Learning Center. Brady also got BZA approval to use the old daycare facility as part of his agritourism operation, though it’s unclear what role the facility will play just yet.

Agritourism for the general public involves education, recreation, or farm operations, and can expand farmers’ income sources. Features like corn mazes, petting farms and pony rides, hayrides and pumpkin patches, or even festivals are all various forms of agritourism.

“I can use the property for a produce stand, for producing wine, for having farm animals on there, farm education, that type of stuff,” he said. “It just opens up the ability of uses that I can use the property for.”

Brady also said at the BZA meeting he’s considering using the seven-acre lot, now a horse farm in conjunction with his existing adjacent property, a rental venue he calls Brooklyn Meadows. He also hosts an Airbnb property called Brooklyn Estate off Flower Street in Berlin. The properties are named for his daughter Brooklyn.

“It’s gonna be a great family atmosphere where kids can enjoy, parents can bring the kids, you know, obviously me having a daughter, I wanted to go places where she felt comfortable as well. I want to create a place for adults to enjoy while the kids can run around and be safe.”

Brady is also the owner of the Assateague Crab House and the Shrimp Boat, both located on Route 611 outside West Ocean City. He also has plans to open a pizzeria in the nearby Francis Scott Key motel.

Painter Leo Kahl led a speed-painting watercolor class on May 9 at the home of the Art League of Ocean City on 94th St. Kahl's next class is May 30 at the Arts Center. More information is available at OCart.org/classes.

West OC residents seeking county’s help with parking

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(May 16, 2025) Residents of two West Ocean City neighborhoods say unregulated street parking is chaotic and are seeking some relief from Worcester County officials to straighten it out as a matter of public safety.

“It seems physically impossible that the number of cars in the neighborhood were planned for,” Sara Gorfinkel of The Landings at Bayside told the county commissioners. “The lack of regulations and directives either from our HOA, our management company, and the county have really led to what feels like living and driving in the wild, wild west.”

Gorfinkel was one of about a dozen people who spoke at the May 6 public hearing for residents of The Landings and the Snug Harbor Road community. The developer-built communities, next-door neighbors along Route 611 and flanked by Sinepuxent Bay, have roads so narrow that they become impassable if cars are parked on both sides of the street.

Charlie Crawford, homeowners’ association president of the 310home Landings neighborhood, called it a matter of public safety.

“If you go to our entrance, you only need to park on the street to say –‘wait a minute, how’s somebody going to get here in a hurry with a firetruck?’” he said.

But their parking problems aren’t carbon copies. Roads in The Landings have rolled curbs, while Snug Harbor Road – one of just two parallel streets in the enclave – is really just a massively long sheet of asphalt with no defined edges or curbing.

It’s not an entirely new problem for county officials, who first heard last November from residents of both communities: folks in Snug Harbor asked to ban on-street parking, and others in The Landings asked for restricted parking to one

side of the street. Both those requests were approved by the commissioners.

It seemed like an open-and-shut case – until even more residents spoke up to say that the groups who spearheaded the no-parking efforts were not authorized representatives of the community at large. Others expressed general displeasure at the changes and said they were unaware the issue was being considered. County officials decided to offer a public hearing for residents to air their grievances.

“What happens if a pedestrian pops out from behind this car? Well, an accident, most likely,” said Snug Harbor resident Bill Romeo. “It is a two-way street. It is not some extension of someone’s garage or parking area. It is inherently dangerous.”

Parking isn’t the only problem: Snug Harbor Road has no fire hydrants, leaving firefighters with no other option than to connect with hydrants all the way over in The Landings. Neighbors saw this firsthand in 2018 and 2019 when two different houses on the street caught fire, according to Romeo.

Worcester County doesn’t have a

STATE ESSAY WINNER

Worcester Preparatory School fourth grade student Isla Pippin of Berlin recently earned the title of District 1 Essay Winner in the Maryland Municipal League's (MML) "If I Were Mayor” 2025 Essay Contest. Each year, fourth grade students across the state participate in the “If I Were Mayor” essay contest, and this year’s theme was “Building Community for a New Generation.” In her essay, Pippin wrote she would, “work towards a goal to make people feel welcomed and safe in the community, not only for our generation, but for the coming generations. I could do this by having new town events to make new neighbors feel welcome. We could also make new community buildings where everyone feels welcome.” Pippin is pictured at the Maryland State House with Maryland Municipal League President Michael O’Connor and Maryland Mayors Association President Travis Marion after receiving her award.

Opinions

County vs schools a grudge match

The Worcester County Board of Education can’t win for losing. Three years ago, it was harshly criticized by the county commissioners for proposing a budget that hadn’t been broken down to the line item level.

Some of the commissioners also implied at the time that the administration more or less employed a budgeting modus operandi designed to conceal spending wherever it could.

As a result, the school system’s budgeting department spent a least two years remaking that package into the format the commissioners demanded.

School officials presented such a plan to the commissioners this week, and in it was a $4,000 pay increase for teachers that had been negotiated with the county teachers association.

The commissioners then proceeded to cut that raise in half ... for no good reason.

To say the commissioner majority was digging hard to come up with something that would justify their decision would be putting it kindly.

Commissioner Chip Bertino, for instance, added into his calculation of the county’s per student cost the price tag on building a new school.

Commissioner Caryn Abbott went on about math scores and minority student scores before she was advised that wasn’t really a budget topic. Commissioner Jim Bunting, who moved to cut that $4,000 down to $2,000, did so because, well, he thought $2,000 was fair.

Not that school board members, school officials and teachers would have felt any better, but the commissioners could have employed a more efficient reason for not approving the raises by saying, “We just don’t want to.”

The commissioners (some of them) can say they’re big supporters of the public schools, but the flimsy arguments they used to justify their decision suggests that either they aren’t fond of the school system overall, or they just don’t like some of the people running it.

Steer clear of atolls

Sen. Lindsey Graham was wrong on a couple of counts when he said in 2015, “My party has gone [bat doo-doo] crazy.”

For one thing, he said it way too early in the election cycle, thus obligating him to say soon afterward that not only did he love the little critters, but that he would willingly join them and eat flying insects if that’s what his reelection required.

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copyright 2025

By Stewart Dobson

He also misspoke by limiting that comment to just one party, when it seems to me that we have gone globally guano gaga.

So much doesn’t make sense to me anymore. I realize, of course, that some people will attribute my growing confusion to my continued participation in the aging process. Or, maybe it’s because I am entering my 22nd year of not joining Facebook (or TikTok, or WhatsApp, or Instagram, or X) so I’m hopelessly out of the vital information loop.

But answer me this, everyone who subscribes to all the above, how is it the federal government is encouraging the removal of tooth-protecting fluoride from drinking water at the same time it’s going to allow drinking water to carry more forever chemicals?

If I understand this correctly, opponents of fluoridation say consuming that chemical could hamper our cognitive development, even if it does keep our teeth from falling out. On the upside of that, preserving our mental acuity will allow us to know when it’s time to take corn on the cob off the menu because our teeth did fall out.

This must be better than having solid

biters but being too out of it to know it.

In the meantime, the EPA has taken the position that forever chemicals in our water isn’t all that bad, even though our livers might fall out.

I therefore must conclude if our drinking water contains no flouride, but more forever chemicals, we’re going to have dental problems, yes, but we’ll also have fewer functional innards to worry about, so it kind of evens itself out.

That’s just one thing that bothers me. Another is the new book that claims the sharpest knives in President Biden’s drawer in his final years in office, had been replaced by rubber spatulas.

No, really?

Anyway, the book says, family, friends and staff strived to cover it up, to which I say, “No, really?” The thing is, in our country it’s kind of a tradition to keep our presidents past their sell-by dates, going back to President Eisenhower’s 45th stroke or something like that, Reagan’s Alzheimer’s and so on.

Here’s what I really don’t get: commercial airline pilots must retire when they turn 65 because they might accidently hit the “wings fall off” button instead of the “wings stay on” button.

So, why do we assume it’s safe to have someone much older than that run an entire country, when there’s an increased risk that they might mistakenly hit the “Wheels Fall Off” button?

This makes no sense whatsoever. In fact, all I truly know is this: Life is like sailing in uncharted waters, populated by big and small islands, which are easily avoided.

If trouble arises, it’s usually because of some atoll you weren’t expecting.

PUBLIC EYE

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

In every outstanding community, there are typically three jewels serving as huge sources of pride – health care, public safety and education. Two of those — public safety and education — were under fire this week in Snow Hill. It looks like the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and the Board of Education will receive far less funding than sought, despite the county receiving a major spike in property tax revenue from rising land values. The commission majority made decisions this week as if the county was strapped for funding when the reality is steady influxes of revenue are the reality and reserve funds, including a budget stabilization account, are flush.

On the school system front, it seems simple. Commissioners Caryn Abbott, Chip Bertino, Jim Bunting and Ted Elder are adamantly opposing to allocating the fully requested funding from the Worcester County Board of Education. It doesn’t matter how many people speak at a public hearing. The minds were decided long ago.

Abbott, who was on her phone throughout the education discussion on Tuesday and offered a couple snide comments out of protocol, confirmed her true anti-public education position through ridiculous remarks about test scores. During a budget discussion, Abbott reiterated the extremist positions she takes on social media with the school system, claiming local schools are underachieving and failing kids. Bertino is wrong when he randomly calculated per pupil spending at $28,000 because he unfairly commingles budget items like school construction. Bertino made the point his per pupil spending calculation – different than how jurisdictions tally the figure -- far outstrips local private school tuition. A comment demonstrating an unawareness of critical differences in the funding and scale models of private and public schools.

Bunting’s actions and words make it clear he will not fully fund the school system’s budget no matter the revenue circumstances. In blatant shows of disrespect, Bunting was on his phone during last week’s public hearing featuring pro-education folks and disappeared for many speakers. Elder gave no explanation for his vote whatsoever but some of his constituent communications shared with me defending reducing the proposed budget are disturbing.

I agree with Commissioner Eric Fiori, who said, “This is ridiculous. … They’ve done what we’ve asked them to do. It’s transparent. We have to meet the Blueprint mandate. If we keep cutting off our toes and keep going backwards, when we do have to meet these numbers – you think this increase is a lot? What about when we have to go $20 million, $30 million, because we’re so far behind?”

In response to Board of Education President Todd Ferrante reminding the commissioners the county must get starting teacher salaries to $60,000 by 2027 – currently around $52,000, the lowest in the state -Bunting said, “If we don’t get there in two years, we will go to the state and say we need another year …”

Out of touch indeed to think it’s that facile.

***

It may be the fact it’s his last budget as superintendent or perhaps it’s just his frustration level reaching new heights. No matter, Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor was as impassioned this week as I have ever seen him in nearly 30 years of covering him in his various education positions. When it became clear the commissioners were not going to fund the school system at the requested level, Taylor was blunt before the group on Tuesday. His YouTube videos to parents and staff were equally as passionate.

“We have spent hours on this budget trying to make sure we are working with you and your requests. We have gone line by line … This budget has been 85% of our work this year. … We have tried to be very focused on what’s important and what’s not important. … I respectfully beg you to take a strong look at this and the needs of our kids. We are No. 1 in Maryland. Whether you like the Maryland school system or not, and I know some of you do not like the Maryland school system, but unfortunately, we are in Maryland and I have to follow the rules of Maryland school system. I respectfully ask you to take a look at the highest performing school system in the state of Maryland with the 22nd lowest starting salary in the state,” Taylor told the commissioners. “… I have been told every year it depends on the revenues, Lou. If we have the revenues, we will fund you. … I have lived in this county for 65 years. I think I know the people of this county ... Anywhere I go I hear the same thing about funding our school. I want you guys to be as proud as I am about our school system. I will continue to be an advocate for this school system moving forward even on July 1 when I go home and sit on my dock … I am asking you to humbly keep … our school system on track and where we need to be.”

Sheriff’s office must stay competitive

Editor,

Our community depends on the unwavering dedication, professionalism, and courage of the deputies of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office. These men and women stand on the front lines every day, protecting our families, neighborhoods, and way of life. Yet despite their commitment, we are facing a growing crisis — one that threatens the quality and stability of law enforcement in our county: a lack of competitive pay.

The starting salary for deputies in Worcester County lags behind that of surrounding jurisdictions. This pay disparity is more than a number on a paycheck—it is a deciding factor for new recruits choosing where to serve, and for experienced deputies contemplating whether they can afford to continue serving here. We are losing qualified, dedicated law enforcement professionals to other agencies offering better compensation and benefits. This exodus not only drains our department of experienced personnel but also compromises public safety and continuity within our communities.

We urge the County Commissioners and the residents of Worcester County to support an increase in the starting pay for our deputies. A competitive salary is essential if we want to recruit high-caliber candidates— those who are not only skilled but who also reflect the values and integrity that our community deserves. More importantly, it is a critical step in retaining the experienced deputies who already know and serve this county with distinction.

Investing in public safety is not a luxury—it is a responsibility. By making deputy salaries competitive, we

affirm our commitment to the safety and well-being of Worcester County. Let us not wait for this issue to grow into a crisis we can no longer manage. Let us act now, decisively, and with the respect our law enforcement professionals have earned.

Bryn Blackburn (The writer is the president of F.O.P. Lodge #50 Worcester.)

Commissioners once again hurting schools

Editor,

On Tuesday, May 13, the Worcester County Commissioners held a budget work session and for the third year in a row the Board of Education is fighting for funding. For the life of me I can’t understand why the county cannot fund the public school system as requested.

The county is carrying a surplus of over a million dollars. The education budget request was completed as asked, with over 600 line items including a trend analysis. The percentage of the operating budget remains in line with what the Board of Education has historically received, approximately fifty percent. Our teachers and our community deserve a fullyfunded budget. As echoed by Commissioner Purnell’s impassioned speech during the work session, teaching is an impactful profession that requires higher education and certifications. In my opinion, they deserve much more than the county could ever afford. According to the Economic Policy Institute, teachers receive approximately twenty-six percent less pay than similarly educated professionals. I don’t blame any teachers’ union that is fighting for better teacher pay.

Continued on Page 84

The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 44 percent of teachers leave the profession within five years. Low wages compared to education level and long hours are cited as the top reasons. I’d rather my child be taught by as many experienced teachers as possible. That means retention is a must. Now is not the time to sit idle. It’s time to understand the impact of these decisions and what the public school system truly offers this county, especially in today’s socioeconomic climate.

I understand the commissioners are considering tax cuts. To be completely honest, keep my tax cut. The amount will not move the needle for a lot of us. We also boast the lowest income tax rates in the state and third lowest property tax rates. Investing in the public education system is a better use of funds. A lot of families like ours require a dual income. That means the time our kids spend in school becomes vital.

For most families, expanded pre-K 3 and 4 programs can save $12,000 per child per year in child care costs. In my experience, these programs are not babysitting services. Our sixyear- old, who participated in pre-K 4 last year, has started reading chapter books this year, in kindergarten. She goes to Buckingham, a Title I school. The teachers are amazing. We honestly do not pay them enough.

I’d also like to address comments made about test scores brought up by Commissioner Abbott. MCAP scores do not paint a full picture of the success of the school system. For many students, MCAP tests do not account for a large enough percentage of their final grade to motivate significant effort. Imagine if you know you’re entering the workforce and are on a career-readiness path, building a specialization, are you going to care that much about an MCAP test? \Evaluating school success based on standard testing doesn’t measure student growth or teacher effectiveness. It is more a barometer of poverty level.

Great schools build great communities, not test scores. Using MCAP scores to gauge the success of a school system is the equivalent of deciding a basketball game based on which team had more free throws. It’s a small snapshot and doesn’t include all the points scored. It also teaches kids to just shoot free throws.

It’s been an exhausting three years as a parent. I believe we are undervaluing the community impacts of a great public education system. It’s a shame we can’t put more trust in the Board of Education when all the cards have been laid on the table. I hope for a budget reconsideration. In the meantime, our orange flag will be flying.

Brian Robertson Berlin

County decision makers support unnecessary cuts Editor,

After listening to the Tuesday County Commissioner Budget Work session, it sounds like the commissioners have lost their pulse on reality in our county.

Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli’s budget request is influenced heavily by the need to pay deputies a salary that is comparable to what other local agencies are offering. Crisafulli voiced “If we don’t address this now, we will have an exodus from the sheriff’s office” and that he currently has knowledge of 4 deputies looking to transfer to a state agency.

Board of Education Superintendent Lou Taylor’s budget request is also influenced heavily by the need to increase pay of teachers and all employees to salaries that are comparable to what other districts are offering. Oh, and there’s that state Blueprint mandate of $60,000 by fiscal year 2027 that must be met. BLT shared that the board did what was asked of them by some of the commissioners, to take away COLAS and negotiate a flat increase for employees.

Here are some samples that show how lost the commissioners are in their responses:

amount for every employee of the BOE ... of 2,000” and voted to increase BOE employee pay by only $2,000

Ted Elder (D4): “we certainly need to pay our law enforcement what they need” but voted to increase deputy pay only $2,000

Caryn Abbott (D1): “many employees [teachers] that make a lot more than I do after 39 years” and voted to increase BOE pay by only $2,000

Chip Bertino (D5): “so, it's the teacher's association that's not allowing starting salaries for teachers to go up, not the county" and voted to increase BOE pay by only $2,000

Only two commissioners seem to understand the financial crisis of deputies and teachers:

Eric Fiori (D3): “a blanket cut to what they’re asking for is ridiculous” and voted against increasing BOE employee pay by only $2,000

Diana Purnell (D2): “you did what we asked you to do” and voted against increasing BOE employee pay by only $2,000

Madison Bunting (D6): “we’ve been very generous with the sheriff’s department over the last 4-5 years” and voted to increase deputy pay only $2,000

“I would like to see straight

Have an opinion?

The preliminary vote in favor of adopting cuts to the proposed Sheriff budget and BOE budget was 4-2 with Abbott, Bunting, Elder, and Bertino voting in favor of cuts. Fiori and Purnell voted in favor of keeping the proposed budgets as is. Mitrecic was absent. The county has the money to cover all budget requests and still have a surplus of at least $1.1 million. To quote Madison Bunting, “it’s just basic math.”

Megan Seyler Berlin

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Photo by Stephen Pryce Lea

Fire marshal says Snug Harbor road width poses issue

Continued from Page 81

formal policy regarding the creation of no-parking areas, and so far, “no parking” signs have yet to be installed in either community.

Public Works Director Dallas Baker says anyone who wants to see rogue cars towed from on-street parking is out of luck, too, because the roadside would first need proper signage to warn drivers. He did say his department is in the process of setting up a speed study on Snug Harbor Road.

“Maybe we need more studies before we make a move here,” said Commissioner Ted Elder, a comment that elicited an audible groan from the public hearing audience.

Fire Marshal Matt Owens said Snug Harbor Road, at 18 feet wide, is narrower than the minimum 20-foot fire lane width. It doesn’t help, he added, that firetrucks are only getting larger and their turning radiuses more sweeping.

“If you park on both sides,” Owens told the commissioners, “you’re not going to get emergency equipment through.”

Not everyone was against the parking restrictions.

Snug Harbor resident Casey McGrath said he doesn’t have a problem with street parking. The real issue, he said, is that drivers disregard the 30 mph speed limit and wondered if speed bumps could be a solution.

“We never park on the street, but when we need it – holidays, et cetera – we don’t want that capability taken from us, bottom line,” he said. “It’s one of those things that in my opinion has been a little bit of a waste of time. I don’t think restricting it altogether is the answer.”

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Residents of Snug Harbor Road, above left, and the adjacent community The Landings at Bayside, right, told county leaders that on-street parking has become a chaotic nuisance.

Long-time OC builder, developer passes away

GEORGE PURNELL

Ocean City

George Anthony Purnell, age 86, of Ocean City, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, May 13.

He was born in Berlin, the only child of the late Anthony Harrison Purnell and Mabel Hayward. George graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in 1956. He attended the University of Maryland where he studied Business and Agriculture. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta.

After college, George enlisted in the United States Coast Guard. Following his service, he returned home to take over and expand upon the building and construction enterprises his father had started.

In 1965, Purnell Inc. was formed

as a development company. By 1968, the company established a carpet business to provide the buildings and homes they built with carpet and flooring. George represented Kingsberry Homes and built the first model home and many more for Boise Cascade in Ocean Pines, a community that is today home to over 12,000 year-round residents. He also built motels, churches, stores, and restaurants in Ocean City.

George built the original building of Worcester Preparatory School (formerly Worcester Country School) in Berlin. He was a founding member of the school and remained on the Board of Trustees since its inception in 1970.

In 1972, Richard Jarvis of Ocean City joined the company and Purnell Jarvis LTD was formed. At this time, the condominium-building boom hit a peak. Ocean City’s growth rate was 10 times what it had been just a few years before. Purnell Jarvis became the largest contractor in the area. George’s ability to foresee the growth potential in Ocean City allowed him to become one of the most successful developers in the area. He was known to his longtime supervising foreman, Charlie Townsend of Berlin, as the boss, but generous and a friend.

When the Ocean City Builders Association was formed, George was unanimously nominated as the first president. His impact on Ocean City stretches its ten-mile length from the Inlet north to the south Delaware line. From pouring the foundation for the Tidal Wave roller coaster at Trimper’s Rides, Harrison’s Harbor Watch, The Talbot Inn to the thousands of condominium units and several hotels up Coastal Highway, oceanside and oceanfront. George strived to uphold quality in all of his projects and his buildings have withstood the toll of winds, waves, sand and hurricanes. Just to name a few Flying Cloud, Salty Sands, and Marigot Beach.

He also built the Sheraton convention center (presently the Ashore), the Holiday Inn at 67th, the Ocean Hideaway on 18th street. George built and still operates the Spinnaker Hotel on 18th street.

George also served on the board of Mercantile Bank and Second National and was a mentor to many young men and women in the Ocean City community to help them get started and his guidance contributed to their continued success decades later. Terry Hough of Coastal Realty, his good friend, was a leader in the selling of newly constructed condominium units and many other realtors were grateful to George for their success.

George married Franny, the love of his life, in 1982. Together they chose

many lots on weekend rides up Coastal Highway to develop and collaborated on design plans. Franny showcased George’s constructions by meticulously decorating all of the models. The two were particularly proud of Harbour Island, a bayside community composed of townhomes, condominiums, restaurant and marina they developed on 14th Street.

The community is best known for hosting the White Marlin Open. After acquiring the land from Pete Boinis, George and Franny searched communities along the east coast of Florida for inspiration and found the perfect timeless designed community. They hired the architect to design a similar community. Upon its completion, Harbour Island was featured on the cover of Professional Builder magazine.

With their success, George and Franny were able to pursue their lifetime love of sport fishing. In the summer, they would send their boat Rendezvous to Hatteras, Montauk, Gloucester, Nantucket and Maine. In the winter, from their home in North Palm Beach, Florida, they would travel on the boat throughout the Bahamas with family and friends. They also made many trips with friends to the Great Barrier Reef, Australia fishing two weeks for black marlin weighing 700 to 1,200 pounds. George would catch and release 20 to 60 a trip. He kept one and it is mounted in the Spinnaker lobby: 1,239 pounds, 14 ounces.

He also loved fishing St Thomas, Venezuela, Costa Rica and Mexico.

He was a member of the Sailfish Club of Palm Beach, West Palm Beach Fishing Club (where he holds many Permit and Tarpon records), Palm Beach Yacht Club, Governors Club, the Cat Cay Club in the Bahamas, Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo and the Hatteras Marlin Club. George has been a member of the Ocean City Marlin Club since he was 17 years old. In 1976, George caught a world record for reeling in a 500-pound blue marlin on 20-pound test line off the coast of Ocean City.

George was respected as a world class angler. He is distinguished for catching every type of billfish and pelagics as well as multiple Grand Slams (catching three fish from the species list) in a single day. He was invited to fish the prestigious International Masters Invitational Angling Tournament founded by John Rybobich at age 41. He continued fishing it for 27 years and served a term as chairman. He was awarded a plaque from the IGFA for his achievements and Lifetime Member of the International Gamefish Association.

As a passionate outdoorsman, George enjoyed local duck and goose hunting alongside friends and family.

George Purnell

OBITUARIES

He also embarked on international bird shooting expeditions, traveling to Argentina and Mexico for unique adventures.

George and Franny built a stronghold of friends in Florida where they had a second home for 40 years. They also loved the west and spent time in Colorado, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming where they took pleasure in skiing, fly fishing, and exploring our national parks. They also enjoyed traveling across Europe and cruising the Mediterranean with their friends.

George was grateful to have lived an extraordinary life that was highlighted by family, adventure, travel, great memories and better friendships. His devotion to his children was unwavering, and he took immense pride in their accomplishments and happiness. George loved sunshine, his boats and spending time on the water. He loved his home where he enjoyed watching sunrises and sunsets, never taking one for granted. He would always say, “Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning.”

George worked hard and played hard. He was passionate and credible with no false pretenses. He was able to light up a room with his love of telling a great story while at the same time being a true listener to all. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

George’s family was the center of

his world, and his love will live on through them. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Franny; children Troy (Lauralee) Purnell and Michele (Stan) Canady; stepchildren Jeffrey (Erika) Phillips and Hugh (Heather) Phillips; grandchildren Brittany Purnell (Dakota Bittner), Austin (Hannah) Purnell, Samantha Schwarz, Hunter Wood, Wyatt Wood, Sadie Canady, Ellie Phillips and Dax Phillips; great-grandchildren, Addison McMillan, Ezra Thrower, Harper Purnell and Tannis Canady; and his many Harrison cousins.

He was a member of St Mary Holy Savior Catholic Church, St. Paul of the Cross, North Palm Beach, Florida, St Justin the Martyr, Key Largo, Florida and St. Patricks, Minturn, Colo.

A funeral mass will be held on May 22 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church located at 200 S. Baltimore Ave. A celebration of life will follow at Harrison’s Harbor Watch at the inlet, 200 S. Baltimore Ave. A private interment for family will take place later at Evergreen Cemetery in Berlin.

The family would like to thank Coastal Hospice, Brightstar Care, Dr. William Greer and his entire staff, Dr. Preeti Yonker, Dr. Dan Pascucci, and caregivers Pam Showell, Cindy Miller and Judy Clark.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Coastal Hospice, Worces-

ter Preparatory School, or St. Mary Star of Sea Church.

Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

JEAN MARIE BEALL

Ocean Pines

Jean Marie Beall, age 69, of the Parke, Ocean Pines, passed away from throat cancer on April 12, 2025, at home. She was born September 25, 1955 and was the daughter of the late John and Hilde Brawders.

Jean Marie is preceded in death by her parents and brotherin-law John Wagner. She is survived by her husband, Clarence Beall, of 35 years, her son Robert Beall, daughter-in-law Kate Beall, her step-son

Morgan Beall and his wife Jordan Beall, her sister Kathy Schoeffmann and brother-in-law Mark Schoeffmann, sister Connie Wagner, brother John Brawders and sister-in-law Susie Brawsders, and most of all, her only granddaughter Emmie.

Jean Marie graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire in 1977. She was proud of her journalism career, especially with the National Guard Association, where she traveled the world to include Europe, Egypt, and Central America.

She was close to family and always

remembered birthdays! She had an infectious smile and a warm personality that impacted everyone she met. She’ll be missed by family, friends, and neighbors.

A celebration of life was held on May 3 at the Parke Clubhouse. In remembrance, a donation may be made to the American Cancer Society or Cancer.org in her name.

Arrangements with Eastern Shore Cremation & Funeral Service, 504 Franklin Ave., Berlin, Md 21811. Please visit www.easternshorecremation.com.

JOSEPH WALTER THOMAS

Berlin

Joseph Walter Thomas, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 12, 2025. Born on August 17, 1942, in Washington, D.C., he was the cherished son of the late Walter Elmer Thomas and Margaret Thelma Thomas.

Joseph was preceded in death by his son, David Thomas, and his grandson, Jamil Johnson. He is survived by his loving wife, Marion Thomas, and his devoted children: Daniel Thomas and his wife Brenda, Continued on Page 89

Joseph Thomas

Jean Marie Beall

Mexico joins WWII, enlists fighter squadron

Volunteer “Aztec Eagles” fly dozens of Allied missions, hailed as national heroes

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

(May 16, 2025) This week, 80 years ago, the Eagles were settling at their base on the island of Luzon, in the Philippines.

On May 14, 1942, the Mexican tanker, SS Portrero del Llano, commanded by Master Gabriel Cruz Díaz, was sailing from Tampico to New York, carrying 6,132 tons of oil, when she was sunk, off Miami by U-564, captained by Reinhard Suhren. Thirteen of her crew were lost.

Mexico demanded an explanation and indemnification. Instead, seven days later, SS Faja de Oro, commanded by Master Ramón Sánchez Mena, and returning to Tampico, was torpedoed by U-106, captained by Hermann Rasch, in the Gulf of Mexico, off Key West, taking 10 of her crew.

Mexico’s president, Manuel Ávila Camacho, was furious. He convened the Mexican Congress, which on June 1, 1942 declared that, since May 22, 1942, a state of war had existed between Los Estados Unidos de México and the German Reich, the Kingdom of Italy and the Empire of Japan. But, now what? How would Mexico act on its declaration of war? Never in its history had it sent its armed forces to fight outside of its borders. Besides, its armed forces really weren’t in shape for any overseas adventures.

In the meantime, U-boats continued to sink Mexican tankers. U-129, commanded by Hans Ludwig-Witt, sank the SS Las Choapas and SS Tux-

pam, on June 27, 1942. A total of six Mexican ships were sunk.

With its declaration of war, equipment began to flow from its fellow ally to the north. On April 20, 1943, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt met with President Camacho in Monterrey, at which time FDR urged his southern counterpart to get involved militarily.

On Nov. 13, 1943, President Camacho announced that his country would send a force to support the Allies — so long as it was under Mexican command. However, it would require congressional approval — and therefore public support.

After consultation with the country’s military leaders, it was determined to send a fighter squadron, possibly to Italy to fight alongside the Brazilians. In order to generate public support, an air show was staged at the capital on March 5, 1944, when it was witnessed by 100,000 capitalinos.

In the meantime, volunteers were solicited. Only the best were selected. After months of training, the group, named Grupo de Perfecionamiento Aeronáutico, commanded by Col. Antonio Cárdenas Rodríguez, assembled for a final farewell from el Presidente, on July 21, 1944.

Three days later, the volunteers reported to Mexico City’s Buenavista Train Station. They boarded six firstclass rail cars, and at 8:35 a.m., departed for Laredo, Texas. With stops all along the route, to be honored and feted, the trip, which normally took 10 hours, took 36!

Upon arriving in Laredo, they were

transported by bus to Randolph Field in San Antonio, where they were tested and given medical examinations. From San Antonio, the pilots were shipped to Foster Field, in Victoria, Texas, to begin training on the P-47 Thunderbolt, which they called “El Jarro” (the Jug), while the mechanics and others were shipped to other bases for training according to specialty. Ultimately, they were reunited in Pocatello, Idaho, until the winter weather forced their return to Texas, where they continued their training at Harlingen and at Majors Field in Greenville. During their training, they dubbed themselves Aguilas Aztecas — “Aztec Eagles.”

The Grupo de Perfecionamiento Aeronáutico became the Fuerza Aérea Expedicionaria Mexicana (Mexican Expeditionary Air Force), on Jan. 1, 1945, with the 201st Fighter Squadron — Escuadrón Aéro de Pelea 201 — being commanded by Capt. First Class Radamés Gaxiola Andrade. FEAM was commanded by Col. Rodríguez.

On Feb. 22, 1945, the men of FEAM were graduated in a ceremony broadcast live on the radio to Mexico and replete with speeches from officials of both nations, two bands and a 21-gun salute.

Mexican Under-Secretary of War, Gen. Francisco L. Urquizo, presented the Mexican battle flag to Col. Cárdenas. In the meantime, President Camacho had requested that the unit be sent to the Philippines, where it could, aid, “... the liberation of a people for whom it is felt a continuity of idiom, history and traditions.”

So, on March 27, 1945, the Eagles began their month long journey, aboard the SS Fairisle, from San Francisco to the Philippines. When

they disembarked at Manila on May 1, 1945, there was another ceremonial greeting which included Gen. George C. Kenney, commander of the Allied Far East Air Forces and Filipino painter Honorary Mexican Counsel Alfredo Carmelo de las Casas.

Upon arrival in the Philippines, the FEAM was assigned to the 58th Fighter Group, commanded by Maj. Edward Roddy, of the Fifth United States Army Air Force. Beginning in June 1945, it began flying missions from Porac and Clark Fields on Luzon.

FEAM, “...provided air support for the advancing American troops on the islands of Luzon and Formosa, participated in patrol missions, divebombed targets in the port of Karenko, covered the Philippine guerilla army units, and escorted American naval convoys.”

Flying 60 missions in 791 sorties, the Aztecs spent 2,800 hours in the air. They dropped 570 tons of bombs and fired more than a million rounds of ammunition. Twenty received the U.S. Air Medal. Five died. Five others were killed during training.

In addition to their storied contribution, thousands of their countrymen enlisted in the American armed services and 300,000 more came north to work. Liaison officer Lt. Colonel Arthur W. Kellong described the Mexican pilots as, “...considerably above average in judgment, technique, take off, landings and general performance.”

On Nov. 18, 1945, there was a welcoming parade for the FEAM, in Mexico City, after which, Capt. Miguel Moreno Arreola presented the Mexican battle flag to President Camacho in a ceremony broadcast on live radio.

The president then decorated each man with the Medalla por Servicio en el Lejano Oriente. This was a special medal, for service outside the country and was therefore, only awarded to them. The members of the squadron were honored on Nov. 22, 2004, when Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo presented it with her country’s Legion of Honor medal. They continue to be honored in Chapultepec Park, in Mexico City, with a monument near the Los Níños Héroes memorial. Each of the pilot’s names is engraved there.

The last surviving Aztec Eagle, Sgt. Horacio Castilleja Albarrán, died Nov. 30, 2022, at the age of 98.

Next week: The Last Field Marshal Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Maryland, where he practices law representing those persons accused of criminal and traffic offenses, and those persons who have suffered a personal injury through no fault of their own. He can be contacted at wimbrowlaw@gmail.com

Capitan Miguel Moreno Arreola

Continued from Page 87

Buddy Thomas and his wife Donna, Kimberly Disney and her husband Greg, and son Joseph Thomas. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Davis and her husband Joseph, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. His legacy extends through his 21 grandchildren and 20 greatgrandchildren, who brought him immense joy and pride.

Joseph dedicated his career as a Stone Mason worker for the federal government, showcasing his craftsmanship and commitment. Beyond his work, he was an active member of several organizations that reflected his strong sense of service and camaraderie, including the Moose Lodge, Sons of the American Legion, and the Elks Lodge.

Back in the day "Athleticism and joy defined Joe in so many ways. Whether he was sprinting across the football field, lining up a perfect golf shot, or swinging for the fences in fast-pitch softball, he played not just to win but to enjoy every moment. And when the games ended, his spirit remained just as lively. He had a gift for bringing people together— whether through the thrill of competition or the rhythm of the dance floor. He loved to move, to celebrate and, to make sure that every moment was filled with laughter and energy. Joe wasn’t just present—he was the heartbeat of every occasion, the life of the party, the person everyone wanted to be around."

"Sports were more than just a pastime for Joe—they were a way of life, a passion that carried through every stage of his journey. As a young athlete, he took to the football field with determination, embracing the grit and the camaraderie of the game. Later, he passed that love forward, coaching men’s softball and helping others hone their skills, find their confidence, and experience the thrill of competition. But nothing could rival his loyalty to the Washington Redskins. Every game was an event, every victory a celebration, and every season a reminder of the love he had for the sport. For Joe, football, softball, and all the games in between weren’t just about playing—they were about community, about tradition, about bringing people together through the spirit of competition and joy."

Joseph was the heart of a large, loving family, and his warmth and generosity extended far beyond relatives—he was also surrounded by too many dear friends to count. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the countless lives he touched.

"Above all, Joe lived his life with a steadfast faith in God—a faith that gave him strength, guided his steps, and filled his heart with love and kindness. He believed in the power of grace, in the promise of eternal peace, and in the comfort that comes from

knowing God’s presence is always with us. As we say our goodbyes, we take solace in knowing that he has returned home, embraced by the love and light of the Lord. Though we grieve, we also rejoice, for we know that his journey does not end here— it continues in a place of everlasting joy and peace.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visitation on Monday, May 19th, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at SonRise Church, located at 10026 Main Street, Berlin, MD. A service in celebration of Joes’s life will follow at 1:00 pm, with interment immediately afterward. Fellowship will take place back at the church, where loved ones can gather to share memories and honor Joe’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to SonRise Church located at 10026 Main Street Berlin, Md 21811. Condolences may be shared with the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

RONALD W. FERGER

Ocean Pines

Ronald W. Ferger, age 84, of Ocean Pines died Sunday January 5,

2025, at Atlantic General Hospital.

EXHIBITION WINNERS

The Worcester County Arts Council has announced the winners of its latest juried exhibition, “My Favorite Things,” now on display through June 29. The vibrant and heartfelt exhibit invited artists to submit works inspired by the people, places, and moments they hold most dear. A total of 26 diverse pieces were submitted by 19 emerging and established artists. Winners were Suzy Wader, first place; Kathy Gibson, second place; Jeanne Locklair, third place; and Judy Benton, Fred Johnson and Kathryn Redden, honorable mentions. Pictured, from left, are WCAC Executive Director Anna Mullis, artists Benton, Redden, Johnson and Quader; and guest juror Brooke Rogers.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Ron was born in Baltimore, Maryland and was the son of late William E. Ferger and Martha R. Ferger. Ron was married to Karen Sue Ferger (nee Coulson) for 60 years who passed away in 2023. Ron had five siblings, Kenneth, William, Joyce, Marvin and Charles whom all preceded him in death. He graduated from Southern High School in Baltimore, MD in 1959. Ron served in the United States Army from 1960-1963 and the United States Coast Guard Reserves from 1970-1997. Ron retired from the Baltimore City Fire Department in 1996 as a Pump Operator after 25 years of service. Once relocating to Ocean Pines from Pasadena, MD, Ron worked for Worcester County Public Works, retiring in 2009.

Ron was an avid Baltimore sports fan supporting the Baltimore Orioles, Baltimore Ravens and his grandchildren’s lacrosse games. He was a member of Raven’s Roost 44 out of Ocean City, MD. He also enjoyed

playing golf, reading and working his SODUKO puzzles.

Ron is survived by a daughter, Robin Ferger-Hill, (Stephen) of Ocean City, a son, Christopher S. Ferger (Rebecca) Berlin and four grandchildren – Zach Hill, Brady Hill, Mackenzie Hill Thomason and Rhys Ferger.

A memorial service will be facilitated by Eternal Reefs on Sunday May 18 at 11 a.m. The service will be held at 9652 Stephen Decatur Hwy., Ocean City with a Celebration of Life to follow at Waterman’s Seafood. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Ocean Pines Fire Department, 911 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, MD 21811. Arrangements with Eastern Shore Cremation & Funeral Service, 504 Franklin Ave., Berlin, Md 21811. Please visit www.easternshorecremation.com.

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Ronald Ferger

Decatur wins region, moves on to state’s 2A final four

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(May 16, 2025) On Monday, May 12, Stephen Decatur faced off against Parkside for the second time this year, winning 15-5, and on Wednesday continued its hot play with an 11-5 victory over Hereford.

Decatur’s match up against the Rams of Parkside on Monday was a lopsided affair like the first matchup, which Decatur won 13-5. The Seahawks have only lost one game all year and that was to Kent Island in March. That loss was avenged last week at home in the Bayside Championship. Decatur will now square off against Huntingtown Friday away.

Against Parkside, Stephen Decatur started the game off with a goal with 9:15 left in the first quarter. Three minutes later, Parkside tied it up. At the end of one quarter, Decatur was up 4-2. At the half the score was 8-3 and Parkside

could not catch up and the game ended with 15-5.

“The key to our win was our excellent defense, winning the face off so that we could have possession, and our midfield and attack firing on all cylinders,” Coach Hoffy Hoffman said.

Game high scorer was attackman Ashton March with five goals and an assist. March has taken 89 shots at the goal so far this year earning 49 goals touting a 55.1% scoring average. Attackman John Fohner has 123 attempts with 53 goals.

The team continues to rely on midfielder Brody Lynch to set the tone with faceoff wins. Of the 153 faceoffs, Lynch has a 68% success rate with six goals and seven assists on the season. Daniel Plumley has taken 53 faceoffs with a 50.6 success rate.

On the season, goalies Declan Horan made 78 (61.3%) saves and Cooper

Clark made eight saves in relief efforts.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Midfielder Frankie Buxbaum and attackman Graham Geiser celebrate after Geiser scores for the Seahawks.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Goalie Declan Horan goes up for the save deflecting the shot behind the net against Parkside.

PHOTOS COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS (Top) Senior attackman Graham Geiser takes the ball down field. (Above) Ashton March is pictured converting on one of his five goals of the game against Parkside.

Seahawks win region before falling to Kent Island, 16-5

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(May 16, 2025) Stephen Decatur girls’ lacrosse team won the regional championship Monday beating Bennett 15-7, before falling to Kent Island on Wednesday, 16-5, to end the season.

The team carries a small paddle with them to every practice and game, and one player is usually given the honor of being named the “Wayfinder” of the game.

Coach Lindsay Owens explained, “Each year we have a different theme

and our theme this year is to be the Wayfinder. Because in the season, there’s going to be storms and the waves are going to get really big or it can be calm seas. But regardless of what the waves are, someone needs to lead. So, it’s kind of like the player of the game, people that step up, they get it after every practice and after every game. They will write something on there and explain it and kind of give a pump-up speech before practicing and games. It’s just our Wayfinder of the day.”

Monday’s game was an exciting

match up with familiar Bayside foe James M. Bennett. In the first half, the Seahawks took charge with 11 shots at the goal scoring seven.

In the third quarter, Bennett scored with 9:50 on the clock raising their lead to four. Eight seconds later Stephen Decatur scored but lost that goal because of a penalty. With 8:16

on the clock, Decatur was ahead by a score of 8-4.

The fourth quarter started at 10-5. Both teams battled it out while the Seahawks continued to pull ahead. When the buzzer sounded Stephen Decatur had 25 shots at the goal scoring 15 while Bennett only had 10 attempts scoring seven.

Junior Caitlin Shimko was the high scorer with four goals. In addition, Jill Burton, MB Morse, Mara Mills and Lo Malinowski each scored two. Laila Pascucci, Kennedy Kirby and Julia Gordy scored one each.

Senior Gordy said after the game, “We had a lot of back and forth, we did pretty good. We got it done.”

With another game looming on Wednesday on the road against Kent Island, who defeated Queen Anne’s on Monday, Owens said, “In postseason, anything can happen. Teams are going to play with nothing to lose. You are playing for your season. You’re playing for tomorrow, and any team can win at any point, and we knew Bennett was going to be a tough game because they’re going to come out because they want to keep playing. We’re happy with the outcome.

“It was a little sloppy, but again, the girls persevered. They fought through adversity and came away with the win and scored when we needed to. Still things to work on, but we’re just happy to have practice tomorrow and happy to play being one of the eight teams still left in the state. After the regional championships, each team gets reseeded.”

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Ava Konyar heads toward the goal in Decatur’s home playoff win over Bennett on Monday night.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS Mara Mills cruises around the crease before firing one of her two goals against Bennett.

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Midfielder MB Morse scrambles to grab the loose ball against Bennett. The senior scored twice on the day.

UNIFIED BOCCE WRAPS UP SEASON

Stephen Decatur’s Unified Bocce team concluded a highly successful spring season earlier this month with a win over Crisfield at home. After the match, the team celebrated the season with awards presented by Coach Jake Coleman, the school’s football coach as well. Individual end-of-season recognitions went to Jacob Marshall, Sportsmanship Award; Blaine Coleman, Leadership Award; Michael Jones, Most Improved Player; and Carson Green, MVP. The last match of the season also served as a recognition for departing team members Ray Molnar and Nate Tapley.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

SENIOR ATHLETES RECOGNIZED

Worcester Preparatory School recognized its senior studentathletes at their last home games of the spring season this month. Above left, boys varsity lacrosse seniors Lucas Nicastro, Nathan Montague, Ryan Mann and Owen West are pictured with their parents. Above right, senior members of the girls varsity lacrosse team Danielle Carr, Nazli Unal and Emma Zajdel are pictured with their parents. Middle left, boys varsity tennis seniors pictured with family members were Briar Parsons, Allen Zhang, Aleksey Klimins, Jackson Fernley and James Haley. Bottom

left, senior girls varsity tennis team members recognized were Alicia Walker, Angeline Todorov, Sydney Tingle, Savannah Palmisano and Abigail Ament. Not pictured was Lydia Schwartz. SUBMITTED PHOTOS/OC TODAY-DISPATCH